An urgent manhunt is underway after a beloved supermarket owner was fatally stabbed in front of horrified customers.
Emergency services were called to Nightcliff Friendly Grocer in Darwin at about 5.15pm on Wednesday.
Northern Territory Police allege a man was confronted by the store owner, 71, who asked him to return stolen items when he was stabbed.
Customers performed first aid and CPR on the store owner but he died at the scene.
The alleged offender fled the scene on a bicycle and remained on the run on Wednesday night.
‘At this stage, police believe they have identified the offender, and efforts are currently underway to locate him,’ a police statement read.
‘As soon as we entered we heard the voice (of the man), he tried to kick (him out), while (he was) stealing things,’ one woman told the NT News.
‘Two staff members directed him to the door and suddenly (he) took out a knife and stabbed the man … and he collapsed.’
An urgent manhunt is underway after the owner of Darwin’s Nightcliff Friendly Grocer was stabbed to death
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro took to social media on Wednesday night to provide update.
“It is devastating that we are at this point, again,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Our focus right now is on the welfare of the family … every Territorian knows this not okay, and we reinforce our commitment that everything is on the table.
“The police and I will have more to say as the situation unfolds.”
Other NT politicians has expressed their shock and issued their condolescenes to the victim’s family.
‘My thoughts are with the family whose lives have been impacted by this senseless attack and the first responders who rendered assistance,’ federal Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
‘The Territory community is with you.
Arnhem MP Selena Uibo added: ‘While more details are yet to emerge, one thing is clear – this kind of senseless violence has no place in our community.
‘Many people will be reeling from this news – please lean on each other for support in the wake of this awful revelations.
The stabbing comes months after staff from the supermarket and neighbouring businesses raised safety concerns about the shopping precinct.
‘It’s not safe here,’ a local worker said.
‘A few months ago someone else was stabbed here too.’
Detectives urge anyone with information to call 131 444.
