Police have confirmed in a press conference this evening that they believe the incident that took place outside Flinders St Station, in which a white SUV drove through pedestrians crossing at an intersection, was “a deliberate act“.
Commander Russell Barrett told reporters that two men have been arrested in relation to the incident, and said:
We believe based on what we’ve seen that it’s a deliberate act. The motivations are unknown. It’s still early days in the investigation.
Barrett also said that while the two men had been arrested, they hadn’t yet been charged.
Media conference regarding the Flinders Street incident with Commander Russell Barrett. pic.twitter.com/j7zx0V5fYQ
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) December 21, 2017
Fourteen people are confirmed to have been injured in the incident, with several critical, including a preschool-aged girl who was taken to hospital with head injuries.
The scene in the Melbourne CBD will remain shut to the public for “a considerable period of time“, according to Victoria Police, and they are requesting that people stay away from the area. Members of the public who’ve left belongings inside the crime scene, including vehicles, will have to wait until the scene is reopened.
Police are also calling for any witnesses to go to the Spencer Street Police Station to make a statement, and are providing welfare support.
Witnesses have described terrifying scenes as the SUV ran a red light and ploughed through crossing pedestrians, before hitting a tram stop.
https://twitter.com/briannatravers/status/943722265530712064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fnational%2Fvictoria%2Fcar-mows-down-pedestrians-report%2Fnews-story%2F89f4b0171c6cca674b2a5e1117a6c612
BREAKING: At least five people are laying motionless on Flinders St after an incident apparently involving a car at Elizabeth St intersection @theheraldsun. pic.twitter.com/rU1gKMEFZL
— Sophie Smith (@SophieSmith86) December 21, 2017
Witness Lachlan Read told NewsCorp:
He has gone straight through the red light at pace and it was bang, bang, bang. It was just one after the other.
The last bang the car stopped. There were bodies on the ground and people running up to them – it was mayhem.
It is definitely something you don’t expect to see on Flinders St at 4.45pm.
Politicians have begun to issue statements as well.
As you will know, there’s been a horrible incident on Flinders St. Police have secured the scene and will provide info as it’s confirmed. Please avoid the area. Trains running but trams affected. Stay safe. Check on your loved ones. And thank you to our brave emergency services.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) December 21, 2017
As our federal & state police & security agencies work together to secure the scene and investigate this shocking incident our thoughts & prayers are with the victims & the emergency & health workers who are treating them. https://t.co/JkUM9TuIQe
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) December 21, 2017
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
