A caseworker has died and his client taken into custody after an alleged stabbing in Balmain East on Thursday afternoon. Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard, and Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Bronnie Taylor released a joint statement on Thursday evening. “We and the NSW Health family are devastated by the tragedy that has fallen upon one of our committed health care workers,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and co-workers of the victim. Our first priority here is providing every support necessary to the colleagues and loved ones of the victim, who are understandably deeply distressed.” Police were called to the home on Nicholson Street about 3.45pm after reports of concern for the welfare of those inside. Neighbours say they heard police banging on the door. When officers made their way inside, they found the body of a man, aged 62, who had been visiting the flat. The resident of the Nicholson Street block, a man, aged 40, was taken to hospital, where he was being treated for suspected stab wounds and remains under police guard. Leichhardt Police Area Command Superintendent Alf Sergi said the 40-year-old man was in hospital being treated for lacerations on Thursday night. “He’s currently assisting police with inquiries,” he said. Supt Sergi declined to comment on whether the man would receive a mental health assessment. Neighbour Anastasia Lawford, who lives below the apartment where the man died, saw her neighbour coming out of the block of flats “covered in blood” on a stretcher. “It was everywhere, he was covered in blood. It was all over the soles of his shoes,” she said. The man, who she knew as Peter, had been living in the complex for four years she said, but “wasn’t very social”. “I have seen him about twice,” she said. “He lived alone and didn’t have many visitors. Just his caseworker and his cleaning lady.” The man lived with a dog, which Ms Lawford said she was happy to have heard barking since the incident. On Thursday evening, police were canvassing neighbours both inside the four-storey apartment and along the quiet street. Specialist forensic police had also arrived at the scene and roped off a large section of the street behind police tape.
