Mother recounts terror after CBD stabbing attack

A mother has described the profound fear she and her family endured during an alleged unprovoked stabbing attack in Melbourne's central business district. Cherie Holt recounted the harrowing incident, which occurred as she and her three children were walking near the Victoria Police headquarters on Spencer Street.

The ordeal began when a man allegedly punched her 10-year-old son in the head, knocking him to the ground. Ms. Holt stated that as the man began to walk away, he turned back and attacked her, stabbing her multiple times. Bystanders intervened, pulling the assailant away and restraining him until police arrived. Ms. Holt sustained four stab wounds and a broken leg.

Compounding the trauma, the family was in Melbourne from Phillip Island for her 10-year-old son's regular medical appointments. He is undergoing scans for an extremely rare and inoperable brain tumor. Ms. Holt expressed the terror of witnessing her son being attacked and then being targeted herself, emphasizing her instinct to shield her children.

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I stood between the man and my children because there was absolutely no way I was going to let him get to them again

"I stood between the man and my children because there was absolutely no way I was going to let him get to them again," she said, recounting her desperate attempt to draw the attacker's focus to herself. She described hearing her other son screaming in horror as she fought to protect them. The psychological impact on her children, who witnessed the violent assault, is a significant concern for Ms. Holt.

Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Ms. Holt expressed pride in her sons' response to the horrific situation. However, she acknowledged that the experience leaves lasting scars. The family's immediate concern is her son's health, with an upcoming MRI scan to monitor his tumor. Ms. Holt was unable to accompany him for this crucial appointment due to her own injuries.

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Mum, mum