A bystander has been praised as a hero after confronting and punching a 16-year-old boy who allegedly went on a rampage, attacking female shoppers and damaging shopfronts at a shopping centre in Sydney.
Police were called to Westfield Chatswood in the city’s north-west on Thursday night following reports of a teenager destroying shopfronts and assaulting women.
Footage shared on Instagram showed the teenager, who appeared to be dressed in business attire, storming into jewellery store Lokfook before threatening a female employee and throwing a large sign at her.
The teenager was then seen lunging at an unsuspecting female shopper before turning towards another woman.
One shopper was filmed cowering in a corner, while another fell to the floor as she attempted to escape the attack.
Screams could be heard throughout the shopping centre as frightened shoppers rushed towards the exits.
The situation took a dramatic turn when a male bystander approached the teenager and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.
The teenager then fled the scene.
The man reportedly went on to approach the shop workers who had been targeted, asking for a description of the suspect and offering to help locate him.
According to Sunrise, police confirmed that the teenager was taken to hospital under police guard, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The footage has since attracted widespread praise for the bystander, with social media users calling for him to receive a Medal of Honour for stepping in.
“This guy that saved the day needs a Medal of Honour,” one viewer commented.
“He was happy to target women but ran off when the man came out,” another wrote.
“Good on ya mate, about time someone stood up,” said a third.
