Alleged stabber charged over random CBD attack

A woman has been charged with randomly stabbing a worker walking down a city street after a state premier harshly condemned the “sickening” act.

Wan Lai, from West Melbourne, was on his way to work in the CBD at 7.40am on October 2 when the suspect was seen running up behind him and stabbing him in the upper body in a random attack.

CCTV footage shows the defendant wearing all black and Ms Lai crouching in the street, before a bystander comes to her aid.

The 36-year-old victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.

Police arrested a 32-year-old Melbourne woman and was charged with causing injury with intent and committing an offense while on bail.

A knife was also seized by police teams who conducted a comprehensive search in the area.

The suspect appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody.

The attack added to a string of high-profile crimes in Victoria, which recorded a nearly 16 per cent increase in crime in the 12 months to June 30, according to crime statistics data.

The Prime Minister condemned the act of violence as “absolutely sickening” and sent his support to Ms Lai and her family. “Anyone who commits brazen, violent acts like this should not be on the streets,” Jacinta Allan said in a statement.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has ensured the city remains safe and has stepped up a policy of introducing more CCTV cameras and new community safety officers.

“Melbourne is a very safe city by international comparison, but we have seen an undeniable increase in crime,” he told ABC radio Melbourne.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Victoria was the country’s “crime capital”; Her federal counterpart, Sussan Ley, used the term to shed light on the issue during her recent visit to the state.

“Everywhere you go in society, everyone is talking about it… People are starting to fear that this is what Victoria in general has become, especially in Melbourne,” he said.

“There is no one close to us in the country. Victoria stands alone.”