Several witnesses tried to save the man, who police described as of “very good character”, but he died with multiple stab wounds before emergency services arrived.

The alleged attacker sent several schools near the shopping strip in Charlestown in Lake Macquarie into lockdown amid a manhunt that lasted about three hours about 9.50am today.

The dog squad, police aircraft and officers from neighbouring police districts were all called in as officers established a crime scene at the centre.

About 1pm, a 53-year-old man handed himself in to Newcastle police station, where he was interviewed and later charged with murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker said there was no indication the men, both from the Lake Macquarie area, knew each other.

“It’s obviously very tragic,” Parker said this afternoon.

“The deceased man is a man of very good character, and it seems a very random and senseless attack.”

He said police had recovered a knife.

“Knife crime, it’s clear it is on the rise,” he said.

“It’s a concern for all society and obviously we appeal to anyone, members of the public that have witnessed this matter today, that haven’t reported to police, to contact us.

“And obviously we’ll continue our efforts to reduce the scourge of knife crime.”

The 53-year-old man was refused bail to face court tomorrow on charges of murder and assault.