Image: The carpark of the Alexandria gym in which the woman was stabbed. Image: ABC News
Police are investigating the stabbing of a woman in an inner-city gym in Sydney.
Emergency services were called to Crunch Fitness in Alexandria at about 12:30pm after being told that a man, believed to be in his 40s, stabbed a 39-year-old woman inside the gym carpark.
It’s believed that they are known to each other. Police allege the two were in a “very short domestic relationship” earlier this year.
The woman was treated by paramedics at the scene and rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The woman reportedly received injuries to her head, neck and back. It is believed the man used a kitchen knife to carry out the attack.
According to NSW Police, “A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced.”
Police have reportedly identified the attacker but cannot legally name him while they seek a warrant for his arrest. He is known to police for past domestic violence offences.
The attacker is 170 centimetres tall with a muscular build, dark hair and olive/caucasian complexion.
He left the scene in a 2006 grey Ford Focus hatchback with the number plate AYQ14W. He was last seen wearing black pants, a grey jacket and white shoes.
Detective Superintendent Rodney Hart said, “It’s horrendous what has happened to this poor victim.”
Though it is believed to have been a targeted attack, he said members of the public should not approach him, as he may still be armed.
“We are concerned that he may still be armed, so I do ask members of the public if they identify or see this person, do not to approach him but call triple-0 immediately and the police will respond,” he said.
The incident comes the day after the NSW Government introduced increased police powers which would allow authorities to “wand” people for knives in public areas without a warrant.
It also comes after a spate of knife-related attacks in Sydney and a nationwide outcry for action against domestic violence, given the increasing rates of women killed by former partners.
