Panic swept through part of the Canberra Centre on Friday evening after a group of teenagers reportedly brandished knives and a hammer, sending shoppers scrambling for safety.
ACT Police were called to the busy shopping precinct around 6:20pm following reports of a disturbance involving several youths. One witness, who was inside a nearby store, said she heard someone shout, “Oh my God, he has a machete.” Moments later, she saw shopfronts hurriedly pulling down their roller doors.
Another woman, arriving at the centre at the same time, said she rushed into a store just before its shutters closed, finding herself locked inside with staff and other frightened customers.
Witnesses described seeing four or five young men yelling and threatening each other while holding what appeared to be “big knives.” The confrontation caused confusion and fear as shoppers sought shelter inside stores.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident as the centre returns to normal operations.
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