Man arrested after allegedly brandishing knife at customer’s head at Parramatta Westfield, Australia shopping mall

A man has been arrested after brandishing a knife at Westfield Parramatta. Photo / Getty Images

A man has been charged after allegedly brandishing a knife at another customer’s head in a busy Westfield complex.

The 24-year old entered Parramatta Westfield about 9.30am on Saturday morning, and allegedly stole from a store.

Police allege he then entered a second store and armed himself with a knife, which he then brandished behind a customer’s head.

The customer confronted the man who then left the scene, leaving the knife behind, police said.

Officers arrived at the Westfield shortly after and attempted to arrest the man, who police allege tried to assault the officers in the process.

They then searched the man and seized 69 gift cards and a pair of earrings, which had allegedly been stolen.

The man was taken to Parramatta police station and charged with shoplifting, goods in custody, use knife in public place - cause person to fear for safety, and intimidate police officer in execution of duty.

He was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today.

Scentre Group, which operates 42 Westfield shopping centres in Australia, launched a review of its security processes earlier this year, after a man killed six people and injured more with a knife at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.

The company has since increased the number of security staff and rolled out stab-proof vests for security officers.

Scentre group has been contacted for comment.