An inquest into the shocking stabbing attack on shoppers at a mall will examine the effectiveness of the response of security guards.

During a brief restroom break taken by the sole security guard, the 40-year-old assailant targeted eight people, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals, before the guard returned.

Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC said this forced security guards to play catch up to try and deal with the unfolding situation.

Warnings and alerts came into effect only after Inspector Amy Scott, the initial officer to arrive, successfully halted Cauchi by shooting him.

These alerts were also incorrect, telling customers to evacuate rather than to escape or hide due to an armed offender in the premises.

Nonetheless, the security personnel who reacted to Cauchi’s sudden attack, including the late Faraz Tahir, 30, have been praised for their efforts.

Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, also died in the tragedy.