A British backpacker travelling in Australia has been left in hospital after being stabbed at a bus stop allegedly by a 15-year-old boy armed with a ‘bottle and a knife’.
In the shocking incident at a bus stop on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia, the early-morning exchange took a dangerous turn.
The 25-year-old tourist suffered injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening after being viciously stabbed in the back and wrist during the unsettling encounter in Noosa.
Law enforcement believes that heated words were exchanged, before the unexpected escalation occurred.
Allegedly, the 15-year-old attacker reappeared armed with a bottle and a knife, turning a verbal dispute into a physical assault.
Inspector Jason Overland said: “I understand bystanders came to the assistance of the 25-year-old British backpacker and detained the young person at the scene until police arrived.”
However, he also cautioned the public against taking matters into their own hands, especially in situations involving weapons. “It’s very difficult to… say that’s the wrong thing to do, but I would just urge caution in those situations, particularly when there are weapons involved,” he advised.
Following the incident, the injured man was promptly taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to his wounds. Encouragingly, he is expected to be released as early as Monday, allowing him to recover from the traumatising ordeal.
Meanwhile, the teenage assailant is bracing to face the consequences of his violent actions as he awaits his day in court, also scheduled for Monday. The charges against him include unlawful wounding, reflecting the severity of the harm inflicted upon the unsuspecting victim.
Local resident Mandy Lopez conveyed her distress, describing the incident as “scary.” “This is a healthy space… It’s definitely a safe area,” she stressed. “But hearing this news, I feel quite shaken up,” capturing the sense of unease that has enveloped the otherwise peaceful community.
Inspector Overland described the attack as an “outlier event”. He reassured the public, stating: “The Sunshine Coast is a very safe location… These sorts of events are rare,” providing some reassurance to residents and visitors alike.
Law enforcement officials are now urging the community to come forward with any information that may aid their investigation. Inspector Overland appealed: “We’re looking for anyone who has footage, any evidence at all, that could assist the inquiry.
“If you could come forward now and provide that information to police, that would be greatly appreciated.”
