Sword attack on a supermarket in New Zealand, four injured

At least four people have been injured, three of whom are now in critical condition, following a knife attack on a New Zealand supermarket. The stab occurred at a Countdown supermarket in Central Dunedin in South Island in the afternoon.

A person has entered custody, authorities said. Prime Minister Yacinda Ardern said the motivation behind the attack was not clear, but that there was no sign that it was a terror event.

Incidents of mass violence are rare in New Zealand, but the country saw Christchurch shooting in 2019, when a white superiorist killed more than 50 people in two mosques. Local media reports say the injured are people from supermarket employees and clients. The Witnesses also described chaotic scenes in the supermarket.

“We just heard a scream and thought someone must have fallen to the ground, but the call got stronger and more people were screaming,” said a unnamed woman to Otago Daily Times. I saw a hand of blood between people; a bloody hand and they all started running to exits.” Some buyers were said to have tried to undermine the aggressor.

The event has been very shocking, even for the community. In this area where the attack happened, the shops will be closed for a few days.