By David Young-
A horrifying incident unfolded on Monday afternoon at the Australian National University (ANU) campus in Canberra, as two 20-year-old women were stabbed, leaving one in a critical condition.
Police and paramedics were called to the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra at 2:45pm on Monday after reports of a stabbing.
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A third individual, a man, also suffered minor injuries in an assault during the incident.
The alleged attacker, a 24-year-old man, was arrested by the police. Authorities have revealed that he is not believed to be a student at the university.
As of now, no charges have been filed against the suspect, and details about his identity have not been confirmed. Police investigations are ongoing, and a motive for the attack has not been identified.
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Witnesses at the scene described a swift and intense police response, with numerous officers rushing to Fellows Oval on the ANU campus to apprehend the suspect.
One witness, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted seeing the police pin the man against a hill and handcuff him. The witness also mentioned observing a visible wound on one of the victims’ backs.
The injured women were promptly transported to the hospital, with one in a critical condition and the other in stable condition.
Alicia Payne, the federal MP for Canberra, expressed her concern for ANU staff and students, posting on social media, “Thinking of all ANU staff and students. Hope everyone is OK.”
ANU urged its students and staff to avoid Fellows Oval near the Chifley Library earlier in the day.
However, the university clarified that there was no immediate threat to the community, and the situation was under control.
In an email to staff and students on Monday evening, ANU’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Brian Schmidt, provided an update on the incident and assured everyone that the situation was under control. He expressed his sympathies for the injured and their families.
“I request you continue to stay away from Fellows Oval and Chifley Meadow as they remain an active scene of investigation,” Prof. Schmidt emphasized, urging the ANU community to support each other during this challenging time.
The university also sent alerts to staff and students via its security app, notifying them of the isolated incident on the ANU campus and the closure of certain areas by the police. Support services were made available to those affected by the incident.
ACT police have encouraged any witnesses who have not yet come forward to provide information to assist in their ongoing investigation into the incident.
Image: 9 News Credit: Channel 9
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