'Beyond words or understanding': Prime Minister calls Sydney shopping centre attack which killed six 'horrific act of violence'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the attack which killed six people at a Sydney shopping centre on Saturday afternoon "beyond words or understanding".

He said Australians will be "shocked" at the attack at Westfield Bondi Junction by a man with a knife, who was shot dead by a police officer just after 3pm.

"This was a horrific act of violence, indiscriminately targeted at innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday doing their shopping," he said.

READ MORE: Video emerges of shopper confronting armed man with bollard at Bondi Westfield

"The first thoughts of all Australians are with the victims of these terrible acts and their loved ones. 

"Our nation offers our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those who are grieving for someone they have lost and we send our strength to those who have been injured."

He praised the health workers caring for the eight people - including a baby - who were rushed to hospital.

READ MORE: How the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack unfolded

He also talked about shoppers who rushed to help those who had been injured.

"Today at Bondi Junction was the scene of shocking violence, but it was also witness to the humanity and the heroism of our fellow Australians, our brave police, our first responders and of course, everyday people who could never have imagined that they would face such a moment," he said.

"For these  Australians, their first instinct in the face of danger was to help someone else. That is what we hold on to tonight as Australians.

READ MORE: Five people killed, attacker shot dead in shopping centre attack

"That's confirmation of who we are. Brave, strong, together." 

Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police Reece Kershaw said the AFP is supporting NSW Police to investigate, but said it was too soon to talk about a possible motive.

"The AFP has deployed members to the crime scene and we have offered our full specialist capabilities, such as digital forensics," he said.

"It is too early to determine a motive and it would be unhelpful to speculate.

"I want to reassure the community that the AFP is providing NSW Police with whatever support is required."

He said he had also spoken to the boss of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Australia's national security agency.

Westfield Bondi Junction statement

Bosses from Scentre Group, which runs the shopping centre said it is providing "full assistance" to NSW emergency services.

"Scentre Group extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those impacted by today's tragedy at Westfield Bondi," they said in a statement issued on Saturday night.

"We extend our deep appreciation for the swift and brave action of our team and first responders."

The centre will be closed for trade on Sunday and will remain an ongoing crime scene for several days, authorities announced on Saturday night.

READ MORE: Witnesses describe helping mother and baby after stabbing

Opposition leader statement

Peter Dutton has called the Bondi Junction Westfield attack "tragic and terrifying".

"We grieve for the five people who have been killed. We pray for those who have been rushed to hospital with injuries," the Opposition Leader said in a statement, which was issued before a sixth victim died in hospital on Saturday night.

He praised the "heroism" of some of the shoppers who helped amid the Saturday afternoon attack.

"We thank the police officers and first responders who acted so quickly, put themselves in harm's way, and saved others.

"In particular, the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant.

"We thank the brave shop keepers and staff who helped shoppers shelter amidst the chaos.

"We thank everyday Australians who helped each other get to safety and those who provided comfort to others in distress."

NSW Premier statement

NSW Premier Chris Minns, who had just landed in Tokyo for a holiday when news broke, said he was "horrified to hear about the events at Bondi Junction this afternoon".

"I am making immediate arrangements to return to Sydney," he said.

"I want to thank NSW Police, emergency services and first responders and the community for their bravery in the face of this shocking incident."

READ ALL 9NEWS COVERAGE ON BONDI STABBING

READ MORE: Five people killed, attacker shot dead in shopping centre attack

READ MORE: Video emerges of shopper confronting armed man with bollard at Bondi Westfield

READ MORE: PM briefed on 'devastating' shopping centre attack

READ MORE: Witnesses describe helping mother and baby after stabbing

READ MORE: How the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack unfolded

NSW Opposition Leader statement

Mark Speakman has said he is "shocked and saddened" by the tragedy.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones," the NSW Opposition Leader said in a statement on Saturday night.

"The NSW Opposition expresses our gratitude to our police, health workers, other first responders and members of the public, and particularly to those who displayed extraordinary bravery in the face of tragedy.

"We pray for the speedy recovery of those in hospital tonight."

What we know so far

• Six people have been killed in a mass stabbing attack at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
• The man, suspected to be a 40-year-old male known to police, was shot dead by a lone officer at the scene. Police do not believe he acted "with ideation".
• Eight people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after 3pm.
• A baby and a mother were among those stabbed. The mother, a 38-year-old woman, has since died of her injuries. The baby continues to receive treatment.
• Video appears to show a man wearing a rugby league jersey holding a knife as shoppers flee.
• Mobile phone footage shows crowds within stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof
• Shoppers helped victims as others cowered in shops for up to two hours.
• The attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat.

If you're struggling after today's events, know that help is available 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.

13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.

MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).