A NSW Ambulance paramedic has died in hospital after an alleged stabbing outside a fast food restaurant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 29-year-old man was on a night shift and taking a break at McDonald's when he was allegedly attacked.
Police were called to the restaurant in Campbelltown, south-west of Sydney, about 5.30am on Friday, April 14.
The paramedic was treated at the scene on Queen St, before being taken to Liverpool Hospital where he later died.
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said the incident was "inconceivable".
He revealed the man had worked as a paramedic for about 12 months.
"This is a young man whose father tells me from the age of five years old knew that he wanted to be a NSW Ambulance paramedic," Dr Morgan said.
"He wanted nothing more than to serve his community."
The man's family has requested for his name not to be released at this time.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said on arriving at the scene, officers were confronted by a man who was armed with a knife.
The Raby man, 21, was tasered and arrested.
"We have received information very early in the investigation that the man we've arrested may have been driving around the Ingleburn and Campbelltown areas earlier this morning in a blue-coloured Honda Jazz sedan," Mr Lanyon said.
"We would ask for any member of the public who may have information or may have sighted that vehicle in those areas to contact the Campbelltown Police Station."
IN OTHER NEWS:
In a statement, the Australian Paramedics Association's NSW branch said it was a "tough time for a very close-knit workforce".
"Paramedics quite often work in a hostile work environment, and an incident like this only heightens the awareness of the important job that we do," the APA said.
"We stand in solidarity with our colleagues who keep the NSW community safe and healthy. Violence against paramedics is never acceptable.
"Our condolences go out at this difficult time to the paramedic's family, friends and co-workers."
Members of the public were earlier being urged to avoid the area and a crime scene had been established.
Specialist officers are forensically examining the scene.
Local detectives are investigating with assistance from the Homicide Squad.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au