SYDNEY: Five people are dead after reports of multiple stabbings at a Sydney shopping centre, police say.

One man, suspected to be the attacker, was shot dead by an officer and a small child is among the injured.

The attacker “acted alone” and police say there is “no continuing threat” to the public.

Ambulances in the Bondi Junction area responded to “reports of a male running around Westfield with a knife”.

The Australian Prime Minister says “hearts go out to those injured” and offered his thanks to the first responders.

Police continue to urge people to avoid the area after hundreds of people were evacuated from the shopping centre.

BBC