Clyde stabbing: Tonga detainee on the run after stabbing Border Force contractors on James Ruse Drive

West Australian

15-05-2025

A Tongan national is on the run after stabbing two Border Force contractors in Sydney while where taking him to the airport for deportation.
NSW Police have warned the public to 'not approach' the immigration detainee.
The man, 28, was being taken from Villawood Detention Centre to Sydney International Airport on Thursday morning when the incident occurred.
It is understood that he stabbed the two contractors in the neck and face before assaulting them with his fist multiple times.
The man then escaped from the van that was at that point on James Ruse Drive, Clyde, in Sydney's west.
'While the car was on the move, he's commenced the assault allegedly on these two males,' Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser told 2GB.
He confirmed the man was not being transported in a secure police vehicle, instead, a regular van was used.
'We have a lot of resources on this today to find this male,' he said.
'We know that he frequents the Mount Pritchard area as well as other areas in western Sydney.'
Police described the immigration detainee as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, adding he is around 180cms tall with a large build.
Police said the man has black hair and dark eyes.
Emergency services were called on Thursday around 3.40am following reports of the stabbing.
NSW Police say people should not approach the man, instead, instructing them to call Triple Zero.
On arrival, emergency crews found the two Border Force contractors with stab wounds on their upper bodies.
NSW Ambulance provided initial treatment to the men before transporting them to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.
Police are now searching for the offender, bringing in the dogs as the hunt down the stabber.
'Officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command, with assistance from the dog unit are continuing to search the area,' a NSW Police spokesperson said.
A crime scene has been established, as NSW Police investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are urging anyone with information on either incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.