Man who killed six in Sydney knife rampage had mental health issues, family says

The family of Joel Cauchi, who stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping centre on Saturday, have described his actions as "truly horrific", offered condolences to the loved ones of the victims and expressed support for the police officer who ended the stabbing spree by shooting him dead.

- Catie McLeod , Eden Gillespie , Emily Wind

Australian police say Cauchi, 40, had mental health problems and that he had moved from Queensland to New South Wales (NSW) only a month before he took a knife into the crowded Sydney mall on Saturday afternoon and killed six people in a stabbing spree, injuring 12 others.

In a statement issued late yesterday and distributed by police, Cauchi's family said they were "absolutely devastated".

They added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.

"Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.

"We are in contact with both the New South Wales police force and Queensland police service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son, as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping all right."

Cauchi killed five women and one man in the attack. The women included Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Pikria Darchia, 55, and a woman who has not been named. Also killed was Faraz Tahir, 30, a security guard.

Cauchi had no fixed address in Sydney and had been living in his vehicle, police said.