Bondi possesses an unmatched warmth and sense of community.

It serves as a sanctuary for countless individuals from both nearby and distant places because of this, yet yesterday that essence was torn away.

The noises that echoed through the streets were absolutely petrifying.

Since relocating from England last year, I had never once doubted my security, but the devastating incidents that occurred on Sunday were as unexpected as they were terrifying.

Just moments before gunfire erupted, the beach was teeming with activity. It was a busy summer’s evening filled with sunshine and the streets were crammed with people.

I had nipped down to the beach for a swim with my mates and left at around 6.20pm.

During my stroll back home, I looked out at people out having drinks, with live music performances and cheerful faces all around.

I texted my friend and said: “It’s such nice vibes everywhere tonight.” My following message was to check if she was OK.

What we now understand is that what we initially believed were fireworks from my flat, as did most people nearby, were actually gunshots.

Moments afterwards, floods of messages arrived urging to ‘stay inside’. Then came the sheer terror of checking on everyone you know.

Living far from home, friends here become family.

The moments that ensued became a haze as I rang and texted all the people I love who might have been affected whilst going about their ordinary day.

I am incredibly fortunate and thankful to know everyone is safe, but feel a lot of sadness for those who cannot say the same. Immediately, I contacted my family to let them know I was safe before the news reached the UK.

As people began to stir at home, a deluge of messages arrived, checking on my wellbeing. My thoughts were consumed by those who wouldn’t be able to tell their loved ones that they were OK and safe.

Even from within my flat in south Bondi, sirens were the only sound that filled the air until late into the night.

Colleagues from my previous job witnessed the horror, seeking refuge in kitchens and bins. Others who were out dining or enjoying a drink scrambled to find hiding places.

This morning, Bondi is in mourning.

Helicopters continue their relentless patrol. The surreal atmosphere serves as a stark reminder of the world’s potential for terror.

Love and support are being sent particularly to the Jewish community in Bondi and Sydney and all of the innocent victims of this horrific attack.

As the death toll climbs, I know I’m not alone in feeling a deep sense of pain. The knowledge that children as young as 10 went to the beach and never returned home is heart-wrenching.

No one anticipates a mass shooting close to them. No one envisages living in the same location where a terrorist attack takes place.

But above all, no one expects such an event to occur in Bondi, which usually feels like the safest place on earth.