A British backpacker has escaped serious injury after being stabbed while trying to stop a man living in the same residence sexually assaulting her.
The 23-year-old was in her room at her Redfern boarding house, where up to 20 people were staying, when her 27-year-old housemate forced his way into her room and tried to assault her on Tuesday afternoon.
When the woman resisted, the Mexican national returned with a knife, stabbing her several times before she was able to get away, get hold of another knife and stab him in the chest.
"It's a terrible ordeal for someone to have to try and resist and arm themselves to actually get free from this person," Detective Inspector Despa Fitzgerald told reporters."
"It's horrific for anyone to go through."
The man was arrested after a short police chase on foot and taken to hospital where he remains under guard.
It's understood he has been in the country about four weeks.
The woman was taken to hospital and is expected to undergo surgery.
Det Insp Fitzgerald said the British woman showed phenomenal bravery.
"Obviously her survival instincts kicked in and she was able to remove herself from the situation," she said.
One witness came to the woman's aid after the attack and there are reports the alarm was first raised on social media.
The residents of the share house are said to be shaken by the daylight attack.
Det Insp Fitzgerald said the incident served as a reminder for travellers.
"We appeal for any female or male to keep themselves safe, especially when they're travelling and sharing accommodation with people they don't know that well," she said.
"It's just lucky it (the knife) didn't hit a major artery in those alleged attacks, and for him as well."
It's believed the woman suffered stab wounds to her neck and chest.
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