Former England captain Michael Vaughan has described hearing gunshots during Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach as “terrifying”.
Vaughan, who is in Australia for the Ashes series, was locked inside a restaurant near Bondi along with his wife, two daughters, sister-in-law and a friend. The group remained inside for several hours after being told to take shelter by staff.
Gunshots heard close to restaurant
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the 51-year-old said he initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before realising the seriousness of the situation.
“To be so close that you can hear it happening is terrifying,” Vaughan said, adding that the experience was deeply unsettling for his family.
Tribute planned before Ashes Test
Police have declared the incident a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah event at the beach. At least 15 civilians, including a child, were killed.
The third Ashes Test in Adelaide will go ahead as scheduled, with Cricket Australia confirming a minute’s silence and black armbands before play.
Vaughan said the match would be sombre but important, adding that Australia would “bounce back”.
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