Knife attacker at large

POLICE have identified and are searching for the suspect in a knife attack at a popular gym at Kings Meadows on Wednesday afternoon.

Police were searching areas around Launceston following the daylight incident inside Zap Fitness on Hobart Road, which was labelled a “random act of violence”.

Detective Inspector Craig Fox said the male victim was “going about his business” at the gym when he was attacked by a man in his 40s with an “edged” weapon about 1.15pm.

The victim was transported to Launceston General Hospital with superficial injuries to his hand and face.

“An edged weapon was recovered from the scene,” Det Insp Fox said.

“Early investigations indicate that the two people were not known to each other.

“Police believe the alleged offender left the scene and travelled to the Launceston General Hospital with an injured hand about 2pm. He left without receiving treatment.”

Det Insp Fox said police were following a “very specific” line of inquiry, and asked business owners in Kings Meadows to check their

CCTV for a man matching the suspect’s description.

The suspect was described as being in his late 40s and about 172cm tall with grey/ white receding hair.

Det Insp Fox said he was last seen wearing a light green Everlast T-shirt, “possibly with blood on it”.

He said the public was “very safe”, but should not approach the suspect.

“The public need to be aware of this gentleman. If anyone does see him, give us a call straight away.

“This is an unprovoked attack.”

Det Insp Fox said the business aided the victim and called emergency services after the incident, and the scene was attended by Ambulance Tasmania, uniform police and Launceston CIB officers.

He said: “The good news is [the victim] is likely to recover from the superficial wounds, but [it was] a very traumatic experience”.

A pedestrian saw the large scale emergency service response and said she knew it must have been serious.

Detectives spoke with witnesses and forensic officers examined the area on Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the public are warned not to approach the man.

Police said anyone who can help should contact them on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au