Counter-terrorism police are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was dressed in camouflage when he allegedly stabbed a student at the University of Sydney.
Police and paramedics were called to the Camperdown campus at Parramatta Road about 8.35am today.
First responders arrived and found a 22-year-old stabbed in the neck, before taking him to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Counter terrorism command assistant commissioner Mark Walton said a 14-year-old boy from the Inner West was arrested after he caught a bus and attended the same hospital for treatment for minor cuts to his hand.
He said the boy is currently undergoing a mental health assessment and there is no further risk to the community.
“There was a young person who fled the scene dressed in camouflage defence force uniform and a knife was recovered at the scene,” he said at a press conference this afternoon.
“The New South Wales Joint Counter-Terrorism Committee are investigating.
“A motive or ideology, importantly, has not been determined at this time.”
Walton, however, said it does not appear that the boy was religiously motivated.
While the boy is believed not to be known to the 22-year-old victim, he is known to police and government agencies.
Walton urged parents and the community to be aware of the risks of young people being radicalised online.
“Everyone should be concerned about this,” he said.
“There is a risk of online radicalisation. The internet is toxic and it’s very easy for young people especially to self radicalise and move towards violence.”
The University of Sydney earlier said they were aware of an incident at their campus and there will be increased security and police presence in the area.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and members of the community is our priority, and we continue to work with authorities,” a spokesperson said.
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