A manhunt is under way for five offenders after two people were stabbed during a brawl at a shopping centre in Sydney’s west, leaving one fighting for life.
The incident allegedly began when a verbal altercation erupted between a group of men at the Dawson Mall in Mount Druitt at 5pm yesterday.
The group separated, but came across each other again 15 minutes later in the car park outside Kmart in Mount Druitt Westfields, opposite Dawson Mall.
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A physical altercation broke out, and two men aged 22 and 17 were stabbed.
NSW Police said the 22-year-old man, who was stabbed in the back and suffered a punctured lung, then ran inside the Kmart to get away from the group and seek medical assistance.
Early reports falsely indicated the man was stabbed inside the shopping centre.
Police were called and arrived at the scene to find the 22-year-old with stab wounds to his upper body.
Emergency responders moved everyone to the back of the store and held them there while working to treat the man’s injuries.
Eventually, customers were let outside, with police snapping a picture of everyone’s ID to form a witness list.
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He was taken to Westmead Hospital with critical injuries.
A 17-year-old was treated for a slash wound to his hand and face.
He was taken to Nepean Hospital in a stable condition.
A third man in his 20s was treated for minor injuries.
Police believe everyone involved was known to each other, and suspect five outstanding offenders had fled the scene before they arrived.
Detective Superintendent Darrin Batchelor said investigators believe the incident is related to recent “postcode” wars in the area.
“It seems to be a street gang type of altercation,” he said.
“Quite frankly, I can’t understand where you might have an issue with someone’s postcode…and their answer to that would be to carry knives, which is totally unacceptable.”
He appealed to anyone in the community with information to reach out and asked concerned parents to contact police if they believe their sons are involved in postcode war-related street gangs.
“I have no doubt there are a number of parents in this community right now that are worried that their young sons are involved in these postcode wars, and may end up in jail, in hospital or worse,” Batchelor said.
“I appeal to those parents, if you have concerns of your son being involved in these street gangs for whatever reason, whether it’s peer pressure or otherwise, contact police and we’ll be able to assist those young people.”
Police have established two crime scenes, one inside the Kmart and another on the external footpath.
Officers have seized several items of interest, including a butter knife.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
