Five victims of Sydney shopping centre stabbings named as tributes flood in
Six people died and 12 others were injured, including a nine-month-old baby, after a series of stabbings at a shopping centre near Bondi Beach, ITV News' Olivia Guthrie reports
Five of the six victims of the Sydney shopping centre stabbing have been named as the public and loved ones pay tribute in Australia.
Hundreds of shoppers were evacuated on Saturday afternoon when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi - believed to be the sole suspect - was shot dead by a female police officer as she approached him from behind, before he turned and lunged at her.
Six people died and 12 others were injured, including a nine-month-old baby, after a series of stabbings at the Westfield Bondi Junction mall shopping centre near Bondi Beach.
Police said they are attempting to contact the family of the final victim, who is from overseas with no family in Australia.
Mother killed in attack named as her baby remains in hospital
It is understood that one of the victims, named as Ashlee Good, 38, is the mother of a nine-month-old baby who was also wounded.
She has been described as "an incredible mother". Eyewitnesses said Ms Good attempted to save her baby after she was stabbed by passing the infant over to receive treatment.
The baby remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after undergoing emergency surgery.
A statement obtained by Australia’s national broadcaster ABC from Ms Good’s family said: “Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human, and so much more.
“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”
The statement continued: “We can report that after hours of surgery yesterday, our baby is currently doing well. We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
“The two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not – words cannot express our gratitude. We are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred.”
Daughter of millionaire businessman remembered as a 'sweet, kind-hearted person'
Dawn Singleton, 25,- the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton - has been named as a victim of the attack.
According to Ms Singleton’s LinkedIn profile, she had studied a degree in communications at the University of Technology Sydney.
Ms Singleton worked at clothes retailer White Fox Boutique, who released a tribute on Instagram.
“Over the weekend we lost not only an employee of White Fox but someone special to us who felt like a family member,” the statement said.
“We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.
“We send our love & deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family & her friends. She will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family.”
Architect mother-of-two named as third victim
Jade Young, an architect from the suburbs of Sydney, was named as the third victim.
Ms Young was a member of the Bronte Surf Club which in a statement said: “This is and will be a difficult time for the community, and we encourage you to seek support from family, friends, fellow club members or to speak to your GP to assist you in processing this tragedy,”
“We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected.”
Security guard Faraz Tahir ‘died defending others’
The man was identified as Faraz Tahir by the Australian Pakistani National Association, which labelled Mr Tahir as “courageous” on social media.
The 30-year-old was working as a security guard at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday.
“Let us stand together in solidarity, offering support and prayers to those grieving and affected by this heartbreaking loss,” the statement said.
Separately, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Mr Tahir died "defending others" and that he was "known for his unwavering dedication and kindness.”
Georgian woman named as fifth victim
Pikria Darchia, 55, has been named as the fifth victim of the Bondi Junction stabbings.
A statement from NSW Police, issued on behalf of the family on Sunday night, confirmed her death.
Family of attacker describe his actions as 'horrific'
The family of Sydney attacker Joel Cauchi described his actions as “horrific” and said he had suffered mental health issues “since he was a teenager”.
In a statement released through Queensland Police, the Cauchi family said: “We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.
“Joel’s actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.
“We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright.”
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