Australian armed police carrying assault rifles begin patrolling Sydney streets after the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre that killed 15

New South Wales Police's new Armed Response Command launched its first patrols across Sydney on Sunday, deploying officers carrying Australian Combat Assault Rifles — a military-style weapon manufactured by Lithgow Arms. The 200-strong unit will cover tourist hotspots, major events, sports venues and places of worship. A national gun buyback has also begun simultaneously.

The ARC was built following the 14 December Bondi Beach massacre, in which two gunmen killed 15 people — including a 10-year-old girl — at a Hanukkah celebration.

When fully operational the unit will consist of 250 specially trained officers, who undergo months-long rifle and specialist driving training.

Amnesty International Australia raised concerns about the 'militarisation of policing', while the Executive Council of Australian Jewry's Alex Ryvchin said 'the sight of body bags is far worse'.