Woolworths supermarket worker stabbed at Ellenbrook Central shopping centre in ‘random attack’

A Woolworths supermarket worker has been stabbed in a terrifying attack at a shopping centre in Perth’s northeast.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 12.55pm on Tuesday following reports a staff member had been stabbed at the Ellenbrook Central store.

The worker, a 44-year-old woman, was taken to Royal Perth Hospital where she is undergoing treatment.

WA Police were searching for a woman seen running from the store but later confirmed someone had been taken into custody.

Midland Police Detective Sergeant Tania Mackenzie said the victim was stabbed in the back with a large knife in what appeared to be a “completely random attack”.

She said the women were not known to each other, adding there was no further risk to the public.

“(It is) something I’ve never heard of happening before in my career,” she said.

“It was just someone going about their day-to-day work, stacking shelves in the shopping centre.

“There’s been no one else in the aisle and she’s been approached by the suspect who has (allegedly) stabbed her with a filleting knife.”

Mackenzie said the victim thought she had been hit by a trolley before realising she had been stabbed and calling out for help. A nearby nurse performed first aid before police arrived.

The alleged offender, a woman in her 30s, was arrested soon after at a Bullsbrook home and is currently undergoing a medical assessment.

“At this stage we haven’t spoken to her in depth,” Mackenzie said, adding that a mental health episode was a concern.

One nearby shop owner said she was shocked as police descended on the shopping centre.

“I was really, really freaking out,” she told 7NEWS.

The store remains open, with the area where the incident occurred cordoned off as police investigate what happened.

A Woolworths spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au counselling will be offered to staff following the ordeal.

“We’re providing every support to the team member and their loved ones at this time,” they said.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw a woman running from the store at the time of the incident or has phone vision of the woman.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Produced, created and narrated by Marcus Commarmond.

The source can be found here: https://7news.com.au/news/crime/woolw...

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