An elderly man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a woman in a Blacktown shopping centre.
The police operation unfolded after emergency services were called to the centre on Patrick St in Blacktown, following reports of an armed offender.
Police were told a woman, 79, had been stabbed multiple times.
She was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A 93-year-old man, believed to be known to the woman, was arrested nearby and taken to Blacktown Police Station.
A crime scene has been established by specialist police and inquiries are ongoing.
No charges have been laid.