Two separate critical incidents kept emergency services busy across Sydney overnight, involving a heavily-armed police operation and a dramatic rescue of a seriously injured teenager.
Heavily-Armed Police Surround Arncliffe Business
Residents in Sydney's southwest awoke to a significant police presence in the early hours of Monday morning. Heavily-armed officers from NSW Police were deployed to Forrest Road in the suburb of Arncliffe, where they surrounded a local business.
The operation, which involved tactical officers, sparked concern from locals. However, authorities have moved quickly to reassure the public. NSW Police confirmed there is "no threat to the public" related to the incident. Details regarding the reason for the operation remain under investigation.
Teenager Plummets in Abandoned Courthouse Collapse
In a separate and distressing incident, a teenage girl has been left fighting for her life after a late-night exploration turned tragic. Emergency services were called to Ferry Lane in Glebe around 12.30am on Wednesday following reports of a structural collapse.
The incident occurred at a disused courthouse, where the 17-year-old was exploring. The roof section gave way, causing her to fall two storeys onto a concrete floor below.
The complex rescue required a multi-agency response to safely extract the injured teen from the unstable structure. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the girl at the scene for serious back injuries before rushing her to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She was reported to be in a critical condition upon arrival.
Community Alert and Safety Reminders
These back-to-back incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with entering derelict and abandoned buildings. Structures that are not maintained can have significant hidden dangers, including unstable floors, roofs, and walls.
While the police operation in Arncliffe has been contained, authorities continue to investigate both events. The condition of the teenage girl remains a primary concern for rescue crews and hospital staff.