AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand supermarket chain Countdown has temporarily removed all knives and scissors from its shelves from Saturday for safety reasons following Friday's terror attack which injured six people.
In a media statement, Kiri Hannifin, Countdown's general manager of safety, said the company has decided to temporarily remove all knives and scissors from the shelves while considering whether the shops should continue to sell them.
"This is in no way a reflection on our customers, but an act of support for our team. We want all of our team to feel safe when they come to work, especially considering the events of yesterday," said Hannifin.
Another supermarket giant Foodstuffs New Zealand is also reviewing its safety policy regarding sharp knives.
Head of corporate affairs Antoinette Laird said a safety review into whether Foodstuffs stores would remove sharp knives from sale was being considered.
Foodstuffs NZ owns hundreds of New World and Pak'n Save stores across the country.
"Everyone deserves to be able to go to work and visit essential services like the supermarket safely," said Laird.
Six people were injured including three people in critical condition during the ISIS-inspired terrorist attack at Countdown supermarket in western Auckland suburb New Lynn on Friday afternoon.
The 32-year-old offender, who obtained a knife and stabbed people in the supermarket, was shot dead by the police. Enditem
