An axe attacker has struck for what is believed to be the third time, sparking fears for tourist safety in Sydney, police said yesterday. In the latest incident early on Saturday, a 46-year-old man was smashed in the face with a tomahawk before fighting off his attacker and fleeing.
He suffered cuts and bruises but was later released from hospital. It was the third axe attack in just over a month in the Kings Cross tourist area. In the first incident, Czech tourist, Mr Jiri Zoufal (25), was hacked to death at a busy intersection in the area's red light district. Police are struggling to find a motive for the murder as Mr Zoufal's passport and wallet were untouched. About a fortnight later, a 24-year-old Irish backpacker escaped injury after a man tried to attack him with an axe, also in Kings Cross.
The Cross, as it is known, has an Australia-wide reputation as a hotbed of vice and crime. It is home to sex clubs, is the haunt of underworld figures and a known drugs marketplace. But is also the backpacker headquarters of Sydney, home to several hotels catering mainly for the Asian tourist and a magnet for visitors.
A police spokeswoman said they had not said the attacks were related and had not speculated about any targeting of tourists.
"People must be cautious," said Det Constable Dave Williams. "There is always a possibility that he could strike again."
Hoteliers and owners of backpacker hostels say business is quieter than normal. They say they are telling new arrivals of the axe attacks and some tourists are wary of venturing outside their hotels.
"It was the first thing we were told when we arrived," said Mr Michael McGarrity, an Irish visitor. "People were saying it wasn't safe and it does have you looking over your shoulder."
Another traveller said overseas tourists were nervous. "This guy sounds like a lunatic and it's not just happening late at night. I think that's the main worry," he said.