NSW Central Coast stabbing: Man charged after 83-year-old killed in shopping centre attack
A man has been charged with murdering an 83-year-old man in the car park of a shopping centre on the NSW Central Coast.
The elderly man was found outside a centre on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown - a suburb of Lake Macquarie - at about 9.50am on Wednesday, following reports a man had been assaulted.
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The 83-year-old died before emergency crews arrived at the scene.
Police were earlier told a man had been seen running south along the Pacific Highway shortly after the alleged assault.
A knife was recovered from the scene, police say.
A 53-year-old man was arrested after attending Newcastle City police station shortly after 1pm on Wednesday.
He has been charged with murder and assault with intent to rob, armed offensive weapon/grievous bodily harm.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker said there was no indication the elderly man and his alleged attacker were known to each other.
“The deceased man is a man of very good character,” he said.
“It seems a very random and senseless attack.”
He said it was “clear” knife crime was on the rise.
“It’s a concern for all society and obviously we appeal to anyone, members of the public who have witnessed this matter today that haven’t reported to police, to contact us.”
Members of the public rushed to help the elderly man after the alleged attack, but he had died by the time paramedics arrived.
“The man lost his life, despite the best efforts of a number of witnesses who performed resuscitation attempts,” Chief Inspector Parker said.
A crime scene was established at the Charlestown shopping centre.
The 53-year-old has been refused bail and is expected to face the Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday.
Originally published as Man charged with murder of 83yo man at Charlestown shopping centre
