Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has expressed his shock and sorrow, whilst praising the efforts of emergency workers and ordinary citizens, following from today’s horrific events in the Melbourne CBD.
Speaking with Victoria Police a short time ago, Andrews was overflowing in his praise for police and ambulance workers who attended the scene in Bourke Street, in which 3 people have been confirmed dead.
“Our emergency services this afternoon have done us proud. They have supported the most vulnerable.”“Our hearts are breaking this afternoon. But we are stronger than this. We can be confident that we are stronger than this evil criminal act.”“We are so proud of our Emergency Services, so proud of Victorians who in the midst of this stepped forward to help their fellow citizens.”
“Any support that is needed will be provided, any resources that are needed will be provided.”
Meanwhile, Victorian Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton provided further details on the incident, which saw a 26-year-old man deliberately drive a car into pedestrians in various parts of Bourke Street in the middle of a busy day.
Ashton confirmed that the deceased include a man and a woman, both in their 30s, and, tragically, a small child. Ashton declined to list the age of the child until the process of notifying family could be completed.
He confirmed that 15 people were injured and transported to hospital, and of those 15, 5 are in critical condition.
Of the offender, who was shot in the arm by police, arrested, and taken into custody, Ashton confirmed he is connected to a family violence-related assault that occurred in Windsor in the early hours of this morning.
Police also revealed that the alleged offender took a car, possibly stolen, and held a woman that was known to him hostage. After a police pursuit, which was abandoned due to safety concerns, across the Bolte Bridge, the woman was released. The car then proceeded into the city.
“There is an extensive family violence history. He’s come to our attention on many occasions in the past. We also have mental health and drug-related issues with the background of this person.”
“This morning we attempted to intercept the vehicle he was driving. The driving was of such a nature the pursuit had to be terminated because of the actions of the driver and concerns for the community. Police were trying to find another way to intercept the vehicle when the incident occurred.”
Victoria Police have also set up a portal on their Facebook page that people can submit video taken of the incident to, in a first for the state.
If you have any information at all about today’s incident, please do not hesitate to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.
Members of the public concerned about loved one’s safety or status can contact the police emergency response hotline on 1800 727 077.
Photo: Twitter.
