MERRYLANDS, NSW — A quiet Tuesday morning in Sydney’s west shattered into chaos as a knife-wielding attacker embarked on what police described as a “horrible” and seemingly random stabbing spree. One man is dead and two others are fighting for their lives after a series of attacks near the Merrylands railway station.
New South Wales Police have arrested a 22-year-old local man known to authorities for a history of mental health incidents and “petty crime.” The suspect was taken into custody on Smythe Street shortly before 11:00 AM on February 17, 2026, following a brief but frantic manhunt that saw local shoppers fleeing for safety.
A Busy Shopping Strip Turned Crime Scene
The violence erupted at approximately 10:00 AM on the Merrylands Road shopping strip—a main commercial artery typically bustling with pre-lunch trade. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of multiple people being attacked by a man who then fled on foot.
According to Superintendent Simon Glasser, the crime scene spanned roughly 50 metres along the busy high street. The attacks reportedly occurred both inside local business premises and on the open sidewalk. Forensic police were later seen entering and exiting a Nepalese grocery store and a corridor leading to an accounting firm.
The Victims
- The Deceased: A man, believed to be aged between 30 and 40, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics despite desperate attempts to save him. He has not yet been formally identified.
- The Critically Injured: A 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were treated for severe stab wounds. Both were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they remain in the intensive care unit.
Superintendent Glasser confirmed there was “no known relationship” between the three victims and the attacker. “They were by themselves on Merrylands Road when this has occurred,” he stated, adding that the victims also appeared to be unrelated to one another.
Community Heroism Amidst “Confronting” Scene
Witnesses described a scene of panic as shoppers scrambled to escape the assailant, who was allegedly armed with a kitchen knife measuring between 20cm and 30cm. Despite the terror, Superintendent Glasser praised members of the public who risked their own safety to assist the wounded before paramedics arrived.
“It was a highly confronting scene, but it was very reassuring to see members of the community come and help the injured,” he said.
A shop assistant working within the cordoned-off zone described hearing a loud “commotion” and seeing people running for their lives. “It’s very bad,” she told reporters, visibly shaken by the proximity of the violence.
The Investigation: Motive and History
The suspect was apprehended about an hour after the initial attacks. Police tracked him to a residential area on Smythe Street, where he was arrested without further incident and taken to Granville Police Station. While a formal motive has not yet been established, police have explicitly noted the suspect’s history of “mental health incidents” and minor criminal activity.
“Police are unaware at this point what the motive was,” Supt Glasser told reporters. “The alleged offender is known to police for petty crime and a number of mental health incidents… he is a local to the area.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the 22-year-old suspect is expected to be charged later today. Police have established several crime scenes across the Merrylands CBD to piece together the exact sequence of the attacks.
Local Business Impact and Safety
The Merrylands shopping strip remained largely deserted on Tuesday afternoon as police tape blocked access to dozens of shops. For local business owners, the tragedy is twofold: the loss of life in their community and the immediate impact on their livelihoods.
“It’s very quiet now… it’s going to affect a lot of our business because normally we have so many people coming for lunch,” said the manager of Kabul House, a popular local Afghan restaurant located across the road from the scene.
Public Safety and Assistance
Police are urging anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
- Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
- Police Assistance Line: 131 444
A Crucial Note on Business Security and Insurance
In the wake of such a tragedy, local business owners are encouraged to review their insurance policies. Violent incidents on or near commercial premises can lead to significant disruptions.
Insurance Tips for Local Businesses:
- Public Liability: Ensure your policy covers incidents that occur on your premises involving third parties. Many shop owners are unaware of the specific limits regarding “random acts of violence.”
- Trauma/Crisis Coverage: Some premium business policies offer “Crisis Management” cover, which provides funding for counseling services for staff who witness traumatic events on the job.
- Business Interruption: Check if your policy includes a “Government Action” or “Crime Scene” clause. If police cordons prevent you from trading for several days, you may be eligible for lost income coverage, even if your specific shop was not the site of the crime.
Would you like me to find updates on the court appearance of the suspect or provide information on local trauma support services available in Merrylands?
[NSW Police provide update on fatal Merrylands stabbing]()
This video provides the official police briefing regarding the timeline of the attack and the status of the suspect.