New South Wales police constable Scott Dyson was one of two officers wounded when investigators allege Naveed Akram and his father Sajid opened fire on the Bondi beach crowd killing 15
Man tackles alleged gunman at Bondi Beach
A police officer injured in the Bondi terror attack endured surgery almost every day before he came out of a medically induced coma, his family said today.
New South Wales police constable Scott Dyson was one of two officers wounded when investigators allege Naveed Akram and his father Sajid opened fire on a crowd of more than 1,000 people at Sydney’s Archer Park. The attack killed 15 people and injured dozens more.
Accused gunman Naveed Akram, 24, faces 15 murder charges and one terrorism charge, while his father, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. The Akrams allegedly threw three pipe bombs and a ‘tennis ball’ explosive device at people celebrating a Jewish festival. They were ‘viable’ but did not explode, according to court documents.
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The pair also recorded a video manifesto in October in which they are seen in front of the Islamic State group flag, police said. Mr Dyson’s family told of the agony and treatment which their son had endured after being placed in an induced coma due to his injuries.
He has been forced to undergo surgery ‘almost daily’ since the atrocity on December 14 on Australia’s most iconic beach. His loved ones said in a statement today. “Our family would like to share that Scott has been getting stronger each day, and today, he was woken up for the first time.
“There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but this is a positive sign. We would like to thank the public for the support, messages and well wishes shown to Scott and our family during this difficult time.”
The family of probationary constable Jack Hibbert also said he had been discharged from hospital. However, he may lose the sight in one eye due to the injuries which he received.
Police officer Jack Hibbert, 22, may lose the sight in one eye after he “responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness” during the attack. He had been patrolling Bondi when he was shot twice, once in his head and once in his shoulder, and had lost vision in one eye.
Last week his family said in a statement released by police: “Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. In the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured.
“Jack was simply doing his job, a job he deeply loves, driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost.”
Today they added: “While he is home, he is still recovering and will need space, support, and continued positive thoughts during this time. As a family, we couldn’t ask for anything more – having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle.”
NSW Health on Tuesday said 12 patients remained in hospital receiving care in the aftermath of the attack. Four patients are in a stable but critical condition.
