A man fatally stabbed outside a Guzman y Gomez in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner west has been identified as a Sydney rugby league player.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was stabbed on Marrickville Rd about 7.40pm on Monday, as horrified witnesses and diners watched on.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Manhunt after stabbing in Sydney.
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Filihiahekava died at the scene after first responders performed CPR in an attempt to save his life.
It is understood he was dining with family at a restaurant along Marrickville’s busy Illawarra Rd before he was stabbed.
Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis said detectives “continue to work hard to try to identify the offender”.
“That offender is currently unknown … he was last seen running down Silver St in Marrickville,” he said.
Kennis said the attack was not random.
“We believe at this point the two people had met … and the attack was somewhat targeted … it was not random in nature,” he said.
“It was clear that they did know each other.”
Filihiahekava was known to police before the fatal attack, Kennis said.
The crime scene was described as “highly emotive” with the attack unfolding in front of families and commuters making their way home, and a crowd gathering after the stabbing.
“A number of family and friends of the victim did converge on the crime scene,” Kennis said.
“It was a highly emotive crime scene at the time … but I can’t say with any certainty how they knew about the incident at the time.
“A male did breach the crime scene and had to be restrained by the police.
“A lot of people were out and about … that’s why I urge witnesses to come forward.”
Filihiahekava, a member of Mascot Junior Rugby League club, is being remembered through tributes on social media.
“It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our Club’s players, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, last evening in terrible circumstances,” club president Frank Cookson said on Facebook.
“Leki was a well-liked and respected integral member of our A Reserve grade premiership team two weeks ago when he performed admirably.
“To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Leki’s multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.
“RIP Leki, your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed.”
The alleged attacker remains on the run.
A number of witnesses described to 7NEWS how shocked they were by the incident.
“It makes me so sad because I am from overseas, and I know that this country is so safe, and to be honest I didn’t expect this kind of thing to happen in this country — it makes me feel so sad,” a female witness said.
“It’s terrible, you leave to go out and you never come home,” a male witness said.
Anyone with information about the matter, or who was in the area at the time and who has dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to contact Marrickville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
