Western Sydney will see more police on the streets, with strike force ‘Dribs’ underway in response to mob violence against first responders in the aftermath of a stabbing attack in Wakeley earlier this week.
A 16-year-old boy is currently in police custody, standing accused of launching a bloody attack at a church congregation near Fairfield on Monday.
Two men, aged 53 and 39, were injured in the knife-wielding assault, which has now officially been declared a terrorist incident.
The NSW government announced further police resourcing to support the strike force Dribs two days later.
In a statement on Wednesday, NSW police and counter-terrorism minister Yasmin Catley said 70 additional officers would be diverted from their general duties and specialist commands to high-visibility street patrols.
A further 32 investigators from NSW Police are looking into the public-order incident outside the church near Fairfield Hospital on Monday evening.
“These extra boots on the ground will help provide calm and safety at a time when it’s needed most,” Catley said.
“Over the past four days, we’ve seen the best of the best from the NSW Police Force.
“These officers run towards danger and put their lives on the line to protect the community. I’ve never been prouder,” she said.
In the wake of Monday night’s attack, a group of people gathered at the site of Sydney’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church and were involved in an altercation with police and paramedic responders.
Officers were injured by projectiles thrown at them during the incident, as well as damage to police vehicles, and police property stolen.
Fairfield MP David Saliba said every person deserved to be safe as evidence was collected by police, including mobile phone and CCTV vision with the aim of identifying, arresting, charging and bringing those responsible before the courts.
“These additional police resources will facilitate broader government measures to promote peace and harmony in Fairfield and surrounding areas,” he said.
Police have called on members of the public with mobile video footage from Monday’s Walkley incident to call 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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