SYDNEY – A 22-year-old man charged with committing a terrorist act and attempted murder after a stabbing a man in Sydney’s south-west was inspired by Islamic State, police say.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon when a 59-year-old victim was stabbed several times while walking through a park in the suburb of Minto.

The alleged victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition, a police statement said.

The suspect allegedly attempted to stab a police officer before he was arrested.

Speaking on Sunday, NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said authorities believed the alleged assailant was inspired by Islamic State.

“We know this person has strong extremist beliefs inspired by ISIS. What made him act yesterday we don’t know,” she said.

“It was deliberate, it was violent. Given his behaviour, it could have turned worse as well.”

The man was charged this morning with committing a terrorist attack and attempted murder, and refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

– TiVi Tuan-san