A man was restrained by bystanders after he allegedly stabbed a stranger during an argument outside a shopping centre.
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Police believe the attack outside Moonee Ponds Central in Melbourne's northwest at 4.35pm on July 14 was related to mental health issues and not terrorism.
Investigators said two male pedestrians were seen arguing before one of the men produced a knife and stabbed the other.
A bystander helped to restrain the 55-year-old Fitzroy man using a cafe chair while the shopping centre security rushed to the scene.
The victim, a 44-year-old Essendon man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries to his neck and chest, police said.
The alleged attacker was arrested and charged with recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury and assault with a weapon. He faces Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 15.
Acting Inspector Raj Tillekeratne said that the man shouted a religious phrase that prompted investigators to contact counterterrorism police.
He said the phrase was used after the alleged attacker was in custody.
"We have nothing to indicate that this is either religiously or politically motivated," Acting Inspector Tillekeratne said.
Police believe the attack was "random and isolated".
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
