A man was stabbed in the stomach and neck after a girl, seven was allegedly sexually assaulted in the toilet at a dance studio at Kogarah.
Witnesses helped the injured man and detained the alleged offender until police arrived.
The incident occurred at the St George Dance Centre on the corner of Railway Parade and Derby Street.
A police spokesman spokesman said, about 7.55pm on Thursday, “emergency services were called to a commercial premises on Railway Parade, after reports of a concern for welfare and a stabbing”.
“Inquiries suggest a seven-year-old girl was assaulted and sexually assaulted in a toilet by a 54-year-old man,” the spokesman said.
“A 46-year-old man confronted the alleged offender and a struggle commenced, before he was stabbed in the abdomen, and neck.
“Witnesses came to the injured man’s aid and detained the offender until the arrival of authorities.
“The older man was arrested and taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition suffering facial swelling and bruising. He remains under police guard.
“The 46-year-old man was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition for treatment to his stab wounds.
“The girl was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital for observation.
“A crime scene was established by St George Police Area Command officers and investigations are continuing.
“The 54-year-old is expected to be released from hospital some time this morning, at which time he will be taken to Kogarah Police Station to assist with inquiries.”