A stabbing attack in the Merrylands suburb of western Sydney on Tuesday morning has left one man dead and two others critically injured, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to a busy shopping strip near Merrylands Road at around 10 a.m. following reports that a man had stabbed several people before fleeing on foot.

A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims — a 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman — were rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Police later arrested a suspect nearby and took him into custody. Authorities said the alleged offender is known to police for prior minor offences and mental health issues. Investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing.