TAKEN DOWN
A KNIFEMAN clutches his chest as he is shot by police after a terror rampage in Melbourne in which one shopper was killed and two injured.
Dramatic footage shows officers scuffling with the man, named as 31-year-old Mohamed Khalif, as he slashed at them yesterday before being taken down.
Members of the public can be seen trying to help police control the attacker as his vehicle burns. He had set it on fire after crashing it in the street.
The knifeman later died in hospital. Islamic State claimed responsibilty for the terror attack, saying it was in response to coalition forces fighting IS in the Middle East.
Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, said his Australian state “will not be defined by this”. Thanking police for a “very quick response”, he said they had “done each and every one of us proud”.
Mr Andrews added: “Strangers and bystanders, who knew nobody involved, stepped in without a moment’s hesitation. They, too, are people whose qualities make us all proud as well.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to all who are injured and extend our deepest, deepest sympathies.” The Somalian had mounted the kerb of a city-centre street in a Holden Rodeo pick-up truck and crashed it at 4.20pm.
Police found it loaded with “barbecuestyle” gas cylinders. The lone wolf then charged at shoppers with a blade.
Officials said police arrived “almost within a minute”. Footage shows a brave bystander repeatedly trying to ram the attacker with a shopping trolley as officers are tussling with him.
A body under a sheet could later be seen in the street.
Khalif, who reportedly also went by the name Hassan Shire, is said to have been known to counter-terror agencies.
He and his family are believed to have ties with North African extremist groups.
Khalif ’s brother Ali Khalif Shire Ali, 21, was reportedly arrested in November 2017 over a foiled terror attack in Federation Square, also in the heart of the city.
Khalif ’s passport was cancelled several years ago as he was said to have been noted as one of 300 potential security risks. Police are thought to be unable to get in touch with Khalif ’s wife, and believe she is missing and radicalised.
Of yesterday’s attack, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said: “A four-wheel-drive utility drove into Bourke Street and parked there. “One male was in the vehicle. A fire was then started in that vehicle.
“He got out of the vehicle, engaged with some members of the public at that location.
“Almost within a minute, police officers were in attendance in an unmarked vehicle.
“He assaulted one of the police officers through the vehicle window by punching him. At that time other police were starting to arrive.
“He produced a knife and attempted to attack the officers. One of the officers fired his firearm and shot the offender once in the chest.” Officer walks past body under sheet