In a shocking turn of events, the Pacific Epping shopping centre in Melbourne’s northern suburbs became the scene of a major police operation on Friday night.
Patrons were thrown into panic as gunfire erupted, prompting a rapid and massive response from law enforcement.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as shoppers and staff fled the building in droves, seeking safety from the sudden and terrifying violence.
"It was absolute pandemonium," said one witness. "People were screaming and running in all directions. You could hear the shots, and it was terrifying."
The situation intensified when a man armed with a knife was spotted amidst the turmoil. This added a further layer of danger and urgency to the unfolding crisis.
The armed individual reportedly brandished the weapon, escalating the fear and confusion among those present.
Authorities swiftly responded to the emergency, deploying a significant number of officers to the scene.
The police swarmed the shopping centre, setting up a perimeter and moving quickly to secure the area and protect the public.
Special units, including heavily armed tactical teams, were brought in to handle the potential threat posed by the armed suspect.
"Police presence was immediate and overwhelming," another witness recounted. "They were everywhere, directing people to safety and trying to bring the situation under control."
As officers conducted a thorough search of the premises, the shopping centre was placed on lockdown.
Shoppers and employees who had not managed to evacuate were instructed to shelter in place while authorities worked to locate the suspect and ensure the area was safe.
The motive behind the gunfire and the identity of the armed man remain unclear at this time.
Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for any information from the public that could assist in their inquiries.
In the aftermath of the event, the community has been left reeling, with many expressing shock and concern over the violence that disrupted what should have been a normal evening at the shopping centre. Counseling services are being made available to those affected by the traumatic incident, as authorities continue their investigation into the harrowing events at Pacific Epping.
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