A woman believed to be aged in her 20s has been shot dead at a fast food outlet in West Hoxton in Sydney’s south-west, police say.
Police declared a critical incident after the shooting at the Hungry Jack’s outlet on the corner of Hoxton Park Road just before midday.
A critical incident means police were involved in the death in some way.
Police said the woman had a knife.
Witnesses have told the ABC they saw emergency services performing CPR on a female.
Police said the woman was assessed by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.
A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and investigators from South West Metropolitan Region will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident, including the woman’s actions prior to police intervention and the discharge of a firearm.
That investigation will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Nicole Maher, whose daughter used to work at the Hungry Jack’s outlet, said she was worried she may know the person who was killed.
“It just scared me,” said Ms Maher.
“I had to come down and make sure it wasn’t my family or someone I knew, and now I’m here I’m just terrified of the fact that a young girl’s been killed today.”
Road closures and traffic diversions remain in place.
This article originally appeared on the ABC and was republished here with full permission.
Top Comments
Imagine this young woman was instead a bearded man of middle eastern appearance. Would we be so sympathetic?
While I agree its tragic, I really dont want anyone roaming the streets with a weapon of any description. We live in a safe free country and shouldnt be faced with this sort of violence in our daily lives. Its a tragedy but the safety of our communities and the police are the priority here.
You know what, if you threaten police with a knife, then you are taking your own life into your hands and police have every right to defend themselves. It's only right that there will be an investigation into whether or not the shooting was absolutely necessary, but my experience and knowledge of the law tells me that cops rarely pull a gun except in the most extreme of circumstances.
You're joking aren't you? A 20 year old girl with a knife surrounded by 5 armed policemen - and they couldn't think of anything else to do but shoot her in the chest?
What the f*%k is wrong with people. This is not America.
apparently they tried capsicum spray & a taser, but that didn't stop her
Yes, I understand. But come on - shooting her dead, point blank? It's unbelievable.
Well then you go out and try to negotiate with them then.