Marrickville stabbing: Sitaleki Filihiahekava named as fatally injured victim ahead of Guzman y Gomez

The victim of a shocking knife attack in Marrickville has been identified as Sitaleki Filihiahekava, a well-known community member and local rugby league player.

Police described the shocking scene surrounding Mr Filihiahekava's death as “extremely emotional” after he was stabbed while eating with his family at a fast food restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Family members and onlookers were shocked and expressed their anger as Mr Filihiahekava was left bleeding to death on a sidewalk. Police believe the attack may have been a targeted attack outside the Guzman y Gomez restaurant.

Acting Inner West Police District Commander Superintendent Ben Tennis said the victim, who is known to police, was eating dinner with his family on the pavement shortly before he was killed by his attacker.

“The victim was with several people at a restaurant in Marrickville prior to the incident,” said Superintendent Tennis.

“We believe that the two individuals encountered each other at this time and that the attack was targeted rather than random.

“They actually met at the intersection where the incident occurred. It was clear that they knew each other.”

“It was a very brief encounter and it wasn't long before the man was stabbed.”

Shortly after the incident, video footage showed the attacker running down a nearby street.

“The offender is unknown at this time and was last seen running along Silver Street in Marrickville,” Superintendent Tennis said.

“This morning, detectives are continuing to work intensively on the questioning to identify the perpetrator.”

The attack occurred on Marrickville Road at around 7.40pm on Monday evening. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene. Officers performed CPR on Mr Filihiahekava, but he could not be revived.

A growing crowd that had been cordoned off from the crime scene became increasingly agitated and a scuffle broke out nearby, leaving him lying on the ground.

A man was heard shouting, “He's my fucking brother, don't touch me,” before police drove the group away and cordoned off the area.

“A number of family and friends arrived at the scene,” added Superintendent Tennis.

“I can't say for sure how they found out what happened.

“A man actually entered the crime scene and had to be detained by police. A taser was drawn but not used.”

Superintendent Tennis said police were currently investigating whether there were any organised crime links to the incident and confirmed that a sharp weapon was used during the attack but could not say “with certainty” that it was a knife.