Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan found himself caught up in the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon, revealing he had been confined inside a restaurant as the violence unfolded outside.
The ex-skipper, currently in Australia for his Ashes coverage duties, took to the social media platform X to share his ordeal and confirm his safety.
Vaughan wrote: "Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe."
He expressed gratitude towards emergency responders and the individual who confronted one of the attackers.
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He said: "But thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected .. xxx"
The terrorist attack targeted Sydney's Jewish community as they gathered to mark the beginning of Hanukkah at the popular beachside location.
According to witnesses, two gunmen emerged from a vehicle on Campbell Parade near Bondi Pavilion at approximately 6.40pm local time and began shooting, with witnesses reporting more than 30 shots fired along the tourist strip.
The death toll stands at 12, with a further 29 victims rushed to hospital, including two police officers who remain in a serious condition.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan found himself caught up in the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon
|PA
One of the suspected gunmen is among the dead.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that reports of gunfire at Archer Park, a grassed area at Bondi Beach, reached authorities at around 6.47pm local time.
One of the attackers has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney's southwest, with footage capturing him firing from an elevated bridge.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, condemning the violence as a "vile act of violence and hate" and "an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation".
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One of the gunmen has died, while the other remains in a serious condition | XVowing to "eradicate" such hatred from the country, he declared: "An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the tragedy, describing it as "deeply distressing news".
He said: "The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a statement expressing his horror at the violence.
Hundreds could be seen fleeing the beach after the incident | INSTAGRAMHe said: "I am horrified and condemn today's heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah.
"My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah."
The attack has prompted an outpouring of international solidarity with Australia's Jewish community during what should have been a joyous religious celebration.
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