Driver hits crowds in Melbourne attack

THE driver arrested after a car was driven into pedestrians in Melbourne was a 32-year-old Australian of Afghan descent with a history of drug use and mental health problems, police have said.

Victoria Police chief Shane Patton said a second man, aged 24, who was arrested after he was seen filming the incident, was found to have a bag containing knives.

Investigators have found no evidence to suggest a link with terrorism and Mr Patton said they had not established any relationship between the two men.

Nineteen people were injured, four critically, when a white car was driven at crowds outside Flinders Street station at around 4.30pm yesterday. Witnesses described seeing people “flying everywhere” as the car was driven along the street which was busy with Christmas shoppers and commuters.

Witness Lachlan Read said the incident lasted about 15 seconds.

“It was bang, bang, bang. It was just one after the other.

“The last bang the car stopped,” the 20-year-old said. “There were bodies on the ground and people running up to them – it was mayhem.”

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull called it a “shocking incident”, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the emergency and health workers who are treating them.” A FERRY with more than 250 passengers and crew has capsized in stormy seas off the north-east coast of the Philippines. About 240 people have been rescued, some with injuries, but at least four people have died.