Twelve people have now been confirmed to have died in the shooting on Sunday, with 29 others taken to hospital
Vaughan was locked in a restaurant as the attack happened
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has revealed he was caught up in the terror attack on Bondi Beach on Sunday.
New South Wales Police say that 12 people, including children, have been killed in the shooting, with 29 others taken to hospital. The attack, which saw two gunmen open fire, has been declared as a “terrorist incident” which was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”, with an event taking place at the beach to mark the start of Hannukah.
Vaughan, who is in Australia to cover The Ashes, has revealed he was “locked in a restaurant” as the attack took place, but is now safe as he paid tribute to the emergency services and those affected by the attack.
“Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary,” he wrote on X. “Now home safe.
“But thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected .. xxx”
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has confirmed that police received a number of reports at around 6.47pm local time of shots fired at Archer Park, a grassy area at Bondi Beach.
At a press conference on Sunday, he confirmed that 12 people had died with 29 others transported to hospital, including two police officers who are in a serious condition. One of the alleged gunmen has also been confirmed to be among the dead.
Addressing the nation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as a “vile act of violence and hate” and “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation”.
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be – like me – devastated on this attack on our way of life,” he said.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear: We will eradicate it.
“The trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare,” he added. “Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen, and many have been injured.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “deeply distressing news”.
“The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach,” he added.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added: “I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah.
“My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah.”