Police Reveal 51 Sydney Officers Were Injured In Church Stabbing Riot

More than 50 police officers werre injured in a riot broke out at a local Sydney church earlier this week.

The chaos occurred on Monday night when a 16-year-old boy allegedly stabbed Assyrian Orthodox Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a live streamed service at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The New South Wales Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

The alleged attacker, still hospitalised, has not yet been interviewed by the police.

In a reassuring statement released this morning, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel says he is “doing fine,” as he continues to recover from his injuries.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb revealed that the riot caused numerous police officers sustaining injuries, while multiple police vehicles were damaged.

“Fifty-one police officers were injured, but thankfully they are on the path to recovery,” Commissioner Webb said.

“Unfortunately, the incapacitated vehicles have hindered our ability to respond promptly to community calls.”

Commissioner Webb urged the community to help identify the rioters, many of whom had concealed their identities. 

“People just came along to participate in a riot. That is disgraceful and disgusting behaviour,” she said.

Police confirmed that the investigation had been bolstered by approximately 600 hours of footage from the incident, with authorities aiming to speak to up to 50 individuals believed to be involved.

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.