NSW: Drinkers callously stabbed to death as they left bar
02 Feb 2009 12:29 PM
SYDNEY, Feb 2 AAP - Two men had been drinking for several hours at a suburban Sydney bar before they were callously attacked and stabbed to death, police say.
Homicide detectives are searching for four men in relation to the stabbing, which occurred outside Oscars Sports Hotel at Bankstown in the city's southwest on Sunday night.
Staff at the hotel called triple-0 about 9.20pm (AEDT) when the two bloodied men stumbled inside the bar looking for help.
Acting Superintendent Ian Pryde said the men, believed to be a 28-year-old from Punchbowl and a 30-year-old from Bankstown, had spent several hours together drinking at the bar before leaving and being set upon on the footpath outside.
"The four persons of interest in the matter are southeast Asian and the two victims are also of southeast Asian origin," Supt Pryde told reporters.
He declined to comment on whether the hotel was a hotspot for alcohol-related crime and said there was no suggestion that the incident involved gangs.
The victims suffered multiple stab wounds to their chest, abdomen and back and died before reaching Liverpool Hospital.
"There have been a number of items and exhibits located which are undergoing forensic examination at this stage," Supt Pryde said.
"Knives were used (but) we are not sure what kind of knives were used. There was more than one weapon used."
The attackers, described as between 16 and 25 years old, fled the scene on foot, heading north, and police are seeking public help from people who may have seen them, although they have already taken several witness statements.
"It is quite a callous attack," Supt Pryde said.
The investigation was in its early stages and details were scant, he said, but he defended the actions of police in the area.
"We have a large contingent of police at Bankstown, many in uniform who are actively involved in high visibility policing on a daily basis," he said.
"That particular part of Bankstown does receive a very good police presence."
Post mortem examinations are expected to be carried out on the two victims today.
