Much-loved Launceston man Rod Patterson was stabbed on Melbourne’s Bourke Street about 4.20pm on Friday.

Mr Patterson said he and his wife, Maree, were enjoying a day out in Melbourne when they were caught up in the incident.

“I went to assist and whilst doing so received a knife wound to my head,” he said.

“I am receiving fantastic care at The Alfred.”

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Many in the Launceston community have voiced their support and well wishes for Mr Patterson’s recovery on social media.

The alleged attacker set his care on fire and went on a stabbing rampage before he was shot in the chest by a Victoria Police officer.

The alleged attacker was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, but died on the operating table.

Well-known Melbourne cafe co-owner Sisto Malaspina was killed in the incident.

A 24-year-old security guard suffered a neck injury and was in a stable condition in hospital.