[VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

16:18: The terrorist pulled out a knife on Herzl Street in Rishon L’Tzion and began stabbing passersby. An 80-year-old woman and a man in his 30s were injured seriously. Another man, in his 20s, sustained light injuries. The three were transported to Assaf HaRofeh Hospital in the city. Police with the assistance of a helicopter are taking part in a manhunt for a man who they believe fled the scene after assisting the 19-year-old Hebron area PA resident in getting to the area.

In the first stage of the attack on Tarmab Street, a 35-year-old male was stabbed in his upper body and is listed in moderate-to-serious condition. The 80-year-old woman, who was seriously wounded, was attacked on Herzl Street nearby after the terrorist fled the bus. Another male in his 20s was also wounded, B”H also not seriously.

Preliminary findings at the scene lead police to believe the attacker went after people on the street. During this rampage citizens jumped him and restrained him until police arrived.

Rishon L’Tzion Mayor Tzur explained “It is too early to know what took place. Security forces are still operating. There is must disinformation”.

The mayor calls on citizens to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands.

According to the latest update from Assaf HaRofeh Hospital, two persons are in serious condition and the third light.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE BREAKING UPDATES AS THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED:

15:21: First reports of a stabbing attack in Rishon L’Tzion. Emergency agencies responding. More to follow.

15:40: The terrorist boarded a number 83 bus in Rishon and began stabbing people. At least three people sustained physical injures, some serious.

15:50: There is confusion as there are reports of two attacks, one at a shopping center and one on the bus but it appears in fact, there is only one attack.

15:59: The second attack location is Tarmab Street (תרמב). One terrorist carried out the attacks in both locations. He got on the bus and began stabbing people. He then got off the bus and continued attacking with his knife. It is now reported there are a total of four victims.

The terrorist was neutralized. According to preliminary information, the attacks appears to be a PA (Palestinian Authority) resident inside Green Line Israel illegally. The location of the attacks is near the Rishon central bus station. All the victims have been transported to Assaf HaRofeh Hospital.

16:02: MDA: Tarmab Street attack scene – Treating three victims, two listed in moderate-to-serious condition and one light. In addition, a number of victims were treated for hysteria and transported to the hospital.

Herzl Street attack scene – Two wounded, with one in serious condition, an 80-year-old woman with stab wounds to her upper body. A male in his 20s is less seriously wounded, listed in light condition.

16:05; The terrorist is reportedly a PA (Palestinian Authority) resident of the Hebron district inside Green Line Israel illegally. He is in police custody. Police had a difficult time keeping some of the civilians away from the terrorist after he was restrained.

16:08: The 19-year-old terrorist arrived at 62 Herzl Street in Rishon and began stabbing people. He continued to the intersection of Tarmab Street, running on the sidewalk trying to stab pedestrians. He entered a clothing store and stabbed another person, apparently a woman inside.

16:11: A police chopper is involved in a manhunt for another man who is believed to have assisted the terrorist.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)