Manly Observer is aware of far-reaching and fast-spreading rumours of a person with an axe heading to or present at Warringah Mall this afternoon. We have spoken with police who confirm the threat was taken seriously and the facility was evacuated and thoroughly investigated.
The threat appears to not be credible.
Northern Beaches Crime Prevention Manager Michael Boutouridis says police and detectives worked extensively with Warringah Mall security and “saturated the area” before downgrading the threat.
The call of an axe-wielding man was initially made to police from someone viewing commentary on a social media site.
The claim was sent to Manly Observer numerous times today as it swept through what’s app chats and social media groups.