A KNIFEMAN allegedly stabbed himself and several others following a car crash in Sydney.
Police in Australia have launched a major operation after an officer and at least three others were knifed.
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It is the latest in a series of shocking stabbing attacks in the city this year.
Police say they were called to the scene after several witnesses reported a two-vehicle crash in the Engadine area at 9am local time on Sunday.
Officers arrived to find a man, who appeared to have stab wounds, running from the crash.
He was tasered by police who then took him into custody.
At least three others were knifed – including a male police officer who suffered a serious laceration to his left wrist.
A woman – who police say is understood to have been a passenger in the crashed vehicle – was stabbed multiple times.
She has been rushed to hospital.
Paramedics have also treated a victim at the scene for cardiac arrest.
Princes Highway has been closed in both directions while emergency crews work at the scene.
Sydney has seen a spate of knife attacks this year, prompting the New South Wales state government to toughen its knife laws.
The state parliament passed laws in June giving police electronic metal-detecting scanners to check people without a warrant at shopping centres, sporting venues and public transport stations.
In April, six people were killed and 12 injured in a knife attack at a mall in Sydney’s Bondi area.
A New South Wales police spokesman said on the latest incident: “Multiple calls were made to Triple Zero (000) after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Princes Highway and Old Bush Road about 9am.
“Officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command arrived to find a man – who appeared to be suffering stab wounds – allegedly running from the crash scene.
“He was taken into custody with the deployment of a Taser.
“A male police officer suffered a serious laceration to his left wrist believed to have been incurred during the arrest.
“A woman – understood to be a passenger in the crashed vehicle – has been found also suffering multiple wounds.
“A fourth person has been found injured. It’s unclear at this time what that person’s involvement is in this incident.
“All four are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
“More information will be provided when confirmed.
“Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.”