Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has revealed horrific details after he was caught up in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
The 51-year-old is currently in Australia as part of the BBC team covering the ongoing Ashes series, which resumes in Adelaide next week.
At least 12 people were killed and 29 injured in the attack on a Jewish party on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Australian police said.
Vaughan revealed in a post on
“It was scary being cooped up in a restaurant in Bondi. Safely home now,” Vaughan said.
‘But many thanks to the emergency services and the man who confronted the terrorist..thoughts to all those affected..xxx.’
Two people armed with guns opened fire on a crowd in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday, New South Wales police said.
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration in a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, police confirmed.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference: ‘This evening at approximately 6.47am, two individuals began shooting at a group of families at Bondi Beach in Archer Park.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that at least twelve people have now died.
“This attack was intended to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of peace and joy, celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrific vicious attack.”
Mr Minns confirmed that one of the alleged gunmen has been killed while the other remains in police custody.
“Our hearts bleed tonight for the Jewish community in Australia,” he added. “I can only imagine the pain they now feel as they see their loved ones murdered while celebrating this ancient holiday.
“It is the responsibility of all Australians to throw our arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them through this incredibly difficult time.”
Mr Minns praised the actions of police and the public, telling the press conference: ‘Tonight we have seen extraordinary acts of personal courage from individuals in our community.
“And I think it’s worth remembering that despite all this evil and all this sadness, there are still wonderful, courageous Australians who are willing to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.”
New South Wales Police Commissioner Malcolm Lanyon said 29 people had been transported to various hospitals in the Sydney area, including two police officers.
“The condition of these officers and the others being transported is serious, but the circumstances vary,” Lanyon said.
“Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to all the families and everyone involved tonight.
“We know that many people were there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hanukkah, and that well over a thousand people were present when this took place.
“Due to the circumstances of the incident this evening, at 9:36 pm this evening, I have declared this to be a terrorist incident.
“I have also granted special powers under section five and section six to ensure that if there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating this, we will ensure at this time that we prevent any further activity.
‘I am incredibly proud of the professionalism of our police and emergency services.
“We will concentrate on ensuring there is no further threat to the public.”
Mr Lanyon said ‘several improvised explosive devices’ linked to the deceased gunman were found in a car on Bondi Beach.
He said: “Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade in Bondi, which we believe contained several improvised explosive devices.
“Our rescue bomb disposal unit is currently working on that.”
Mr Lanyon added that the deceased perpetrator was known to authorities but there had been no ‘specific threat’.
He said: ‘What I said is that we are aware of the person. That does not mean that there was a specific threat posed by that person.
“If police had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action.”
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