A man is in critical condition and under police guard after allegedly stabbing two people and attacking police in a major incident near Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall.
Police responded to a report of a car on fire at approximately 4:20pm this afternoon. Witnesses at the scene saw a man crash his car, which subsequently burst into flames in an intense inferno.
The alleged perpetrator exited the vehicle and attacked pedestrians on the scene before being confronted and shot by responding officers. Multiple bystanders captured the incident in graphic footage which is currently circulating social media.
Victoria Police issued a short statement confirming the early details of the incident, urging anyone with information to attend the Melbourne West Police Station to assist authorities with their investigations.
Police are currently at an incident on Bourke St in the CBD. Police initially responded to a report of a car on fire near the corner of Swanston Street about 4.20pm. A man was arrested at the scene and has been taken to hospital under police guard in a critical condition. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/y4MorEbrOC
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018
Police are not looking for anyone further at this early stage. A small number of people are being treated for stab wounds.
The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area. (2/3)
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to go to Melbourne West Police Station to make a statement. We will provide further information when it comes to hand. (3/3)
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018
Reports assert that at least one of the people injured in the incident is in a critical condition.
Police have locked down a large portion of Bourke Street, stretching from Elizabeth Street up to Russell Street, as investigators remain on the scene.
Police cars close off Swanston and Bourke street pic.twitter.com/qgvUY0LpV7
— Lachlan Guertin (@LachlanGuertin) November 9, 2018
The incident is severe enough that it’s prompted political officials, including Premier Daniel Andrews, to issue public service announcements via social media.
There’s been an incident in the CBD near Bourke St. Details are still unclear – but please avoid the area and always follow the instructions of emergency services personnel. Official updates will be provided by @VictoriaPolice.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 9, 2018
Yarra Trams have confirmed that route 86 and 96 trams are being diverted via La Trobe Street, route 1 and 6 trams are diverting via Kings Way, William Street, and La Trobe, and routes 3, 5, 16, 64, 67, and 72 trams are not running between Collins Street and Melbourne Central.
City Loop trains are operating as normal for the time being.
The car fire has been extinguished by attending fire bureaus. Police are not treating this as a terrorism-related incident at this stage.
