TERROR STRIKES MELBOURNE AGAIN
Two men are in custody after an SUV was deliberately driven into pedestrians in the busy heart of Melbourne yesterday. Several people were fighting for life after 14 were struck by the vehicle. There were reports a Norlane woman was injured in the inciden
PEDESTRIANS were deliberately mowed down in the CBD yesterday as an SUV roared down Flinders St.
Two men were in custody last night over the horrifying rampage at one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections, which left 14 injured, several critical.
It’s believed a Norlane woman was among the injured and was taken to hospital with severe bruising.
Police swarmed to the scene outside the famous Flinders St railway station after a white Suzuki slammed into victims just after 4.30pm.
Commander Russell Barrett said police believed it was a deliberate act but investigators did not yet know the motivation for the attack.
The area was crawling with Christmas shoppers, commuters and people on their way to festive gatherings at the time of the horrific incident.
Police, paramedics and members of the public rushed to help the injured.
Three people were taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and were expected to be transferred to the intensive care unit last night.
A preschool aged child with a serious head injury was taken to Royal Children’s Hospital.
Cdr Barrett called it a “trau- matic event” and warned people to stay away from the area.
“We believe based on what we have seen that it is a deliberate act,” Cdr Barrett said.
“The motivations are unknown. It is still the early days of the investigation.”
Detectives from Crime Command were last night leading the investigation.
Witnesses were urged to go to the Spencer St police station to give statements.
Police would not say if any weapons were found in the vehicle. A P-plate was visible on the vehicle involved.
Witnesses said bystanders got into the car to perform a citizen’s arrest before police dragged the driver from the car at gunpoint.
One man recalled how the driver, dressed in blue jeans and a white T-shirt, appeared to be unconscious.
“They (police) were knocking him ... trying to wake him up,” he said. “He got pulled out from the passenger (side of car). He was pulled out of the car with a gun at his chest, like the big one (large gun) ... they dragged him out ... he looked unconscious.”
A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said she saw a man with a “heavy” black beard, dressed in a flannelette shirt and blue jeans being arrested.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted: “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.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “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. ”
As with the Bourke St tragedy of January this year, passers-by raced in to comfort the stricken.
Some shaded victims from the sun as others tried to keep them calm during the wait for paramedics to arrive.
Critical Incident Response team officers were among the first on the scene as the area was sealed off.
Police were last night keeping an open mind about what was behind the events.
A recent history of attacks in which vehicles have been used to intentionally mow down pedestrians generated speculation of a terror attack.
But there was no such motivation when James Gargasoulas roared through Bourke St in January this year, killing six people.
A major investigation from specialist arms of the Victoria Police was under way last night.
Those who know the two men who were arrested were expected to be contacted and interviewed as investigators look into any potential motive for the alleged rampage.
The mobile phones, computers and electronic devices of those in the vehicle will be subjected to detailed scrutiny by cyber specialists.
It is understood the Australian Federal Police have been briefed about events and may be asked to provide intelligence holdings, if available.
Investigators will examine CCTV and take statements from dozens of witnesses
If members of the public have video footage or images, that may assist police, they are encouraged to upload them here: australiauploadserviceweb.cloudapp.net.