Australia's leader says French worker who intervened in stabbing attack can stay as long as he likes

Australia's prime minister said Tuesday a French construction worker who confronted a man who stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping mall is welcome to stay in the country as long as he likes.

Australia's prime minister said Tuesday a French construction worker who confronted a man who stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping mall is welcome to stay in the country as long as he likes.

Damien Guerot was nicknamed "Bollard Man" on social media after security camera footage showed him standing at the top of an escalator on Saturday and menacing Joel Cauchi with a plastic bollard -- or barrier post -- as he approached. Cauchi fled down the escalator and people on Guerot's floor were safe.

Guerot's temporary Australian work visa was due to expire in July until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened.

"I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa applications, that you are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like," Albanese told reporters.

"This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France," the prime minister added.

Guerot's lawyer Belinda Robinson told SBS News the government had provided an assurance late Tuesday that he would be given an Australian permanent resident visa.

Guerot was one of a number of people praised for intervening in the attack. Officials have said the toll could have been much higher. Police said the attacker targeted women; five were among those killed.