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Flinders Street crash: no evidence of terror link, say police – as it happened Flinders Street crash: no evidence of terror link, say police – as it happened
(about 7 hours later)
The police cordon is still in place in Flinders Street, Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey says.The police cordon is still in place in Flinders Street, Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey says.
It’s almost 11pm and a 100m stretch of Flinders St is still closed @callapilla pic.twitter.com/m6TynWL5ueIt’s almost 11pm and a 100m stretch of Flinders St is still closed @callapilla pic.twitter.com/m6TynWL5ue
Acting police commissioner Shane Patton told reporters earlier this evening that he hoped the scene would be cleared by 2am, but he’s not making any guarantees. By 6am, the Flinders and Elizabeth Street intersection will start to fill up with commuters again. It’s one of two major entrances to Flinders Street Station.Acting police commissioner Shane Patton told reporters earlier this evening that he hoped the scene would be cleared by 2am, but he’s not making any guarantees. By 6am, the Flinders and Elizabeth Street intersection will start to fill up with commuters again. It’s one of two major entrances to Flinders Street Station.
Police will give another update tomorrow morning but for now I’ll leave you with this piece by Melissa Davey and Ben Dougherty on the chaos following the incident, and this story which has all the details you need to know. Police will give another update tomorrow morning but for now I’ll leave you with this piece by Melissa Davey and Ben Doherty on the chaos following the incident, and this story which has all the details you need to know.
To recap the significant details:To recap the significant details:
19 people are injured, four critically, after being hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne.19 people are injured, four critically, after being hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne.
Police have arrested a 32-year-old man alleged to be the driver of the car and a 24-year-old man who is not believed to be connected to the incident, but was a bystander arrested by police at the scene.Police have arrested a 32-year-old man alleged to be the driver of the car and a 24-year-old man who is not believed to be connected to the incident, but was a bystander arrested by police at the scene.
Police say it is an isolated incident and they “do not have any evidence or any intelligence to indicate there is a connection with terrorism.”Police say it is an isolated incident and they “do not have any evidence or any intelligence to indicate there is a connection with terrorism.”
Police have released details of the 19 people injured in today’s incident.Police have released details of the 19 people injured in today’s incident.
They include:They include:
A four-year-old boy;A four-year-old boy;
The 32-year-old alleged driver, who is under police guard at hospital;The 32-year-old alleged driver, who is under police guard at hospital;
The off-duty police sergeant who arrested him;The off-duty police sergeant who arrested him;
Eight other men aged 25, 40, 43, 45 and 83, plus three whose ages are unknown;Eight other men aged 25, 40, 43, 45 and 83, plus three whose ages are unknown;
Eight women aged 30, 35, 47 and 58, two 25-year-olds, and two of unknown age.Eight women aged 30, 35, 47 and 58, two 25-year-olds, and two of unknown age.
Fifteen are in a stable condition, four are critically injured.Fifteen are in a stable condition, four are critically injured.
Here is a video of police making an arrest at Flinders Street earlier today.Here is a video of police making an arrest at Flinders Street earlier today.
Again, police arrested two men: the 32-year-old alleged driver and another, unconnected 24-year-old man who was arrested after police searched his bag.Again, police arrested two men: the 32-year-old alleged driver and another, unconnected 24-year-old man who was arrested after police searched his bag.
After Bourke Street, the Victorian government installed concrete bollards around Melbourne to prevent vehicles from going into pedestrian areas.After Bourke Street, the Victorian government installed concrete bollards around Melbourne to prevent vehicles from going into pedestrian areas.
The SUV involved in today’s incident was travelling along Flinders Street and then drove along the tram tracks, striking pedestrians as they crossed the road. Neither the road nor the tram tracks can be blocked with bollards.The SUV involved in today’s incident was travelling along Flinders Street and then drove along the tram tracks, striking pedestrians as they crossed the road. Neither the road nor the tram tracks can be blocked with bollards.
The premier, Daniel Andrews, said trying to shore up those areas would “change the nature of the city for everybody forever”.The premier, Daniel Andrews, said trying to shore up those areas would “change the nature of the city for everybody forever”.
He told reporters at that earlier press conference:He told reporters at that earlier press conference:
The point that you raise around the tram tracks, that is a unique engineering challenge. We have delivered temporary and permanent solutions where that is possible.The point that you raise around the tram tracks, that is a unique engineering challenge. We have delivered temporary and permanent solutions where that is possible.
But there are some features of our city, to make them completely and utterly safe from a terrible, horrific, one-off events like this, would be to change the nature of the city for everybody forever.But there are some features of our city, to make them completely and utterly safe from a terrible, horrific, one-off events like this, would be to change the nature of the city for everybody forever.
Having said that, let me be clear with all Victorians, that there will be proper inquiries, there will be a full review of what has occurred here in the normal way, and any learnings, any changes that need to be made, of course the government stands ready to make those changes.Having said that, let me be clear with all Victorians, that there will be proper inquiries, there will be a full review of what has occurred here in the normal way, and any learnings, any changes that need to be made, of course the government stands ready to make those changes.
The alleged driver of the car is a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan descent who was arrested at the scene by an off-duty police officer.The alleged driver of the car is a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan descent who was arrested at the scene by an off-duty police officer.
The man is known to police but there is no evidence or intelligence connecting either him or this incident to terrorism or extremism.The man is known to police but there is no evidence or intelligence connecting either him or this incident to terrorism or extremism.
Police say he does have a history of drug use and mental health issues and they are investigating those issues in connection to the incident.Police say he does have a history of drug use and mental health issues and they are investigating those issues in connection to the incident.
Another man, 24, was arrested a short time after the incident. He was filming it on his mobile phone and was searched by police, who allegedly found knives in his bag. Police do not believe he knows the 32-year-old man or is connected in any way.Another man, 24, was arrested a short time after the incident. He was filming it on his mobile phone and was searched by police, who allegedly found knives in his bag. Police do not believe he knows the 32-year-old man or is connected in any way.
Nineteen people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, including the alleged driver and the arresting off-duty officer.Nineteen people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, including the alleged driver and the arresting off-duty officer.
Four people are critically injured, while 15 are in a stable condition.Four people are critically injured, while 15 are in a stable condition.
Police say this was a “quarantined” incident and does not increase the risk at major upcoming events like the Boxing Day Test.Police say this was a “quarantined” incident and does not increase the risk at major upcoming events like the Boxing Day Test.
The assistant commissioner, Shane Patton, has been asked again if there are any possible connections to terrorism.The assistant commissioner, Shane Patton, has been asked again if there are any possible connections to terrorism.
Reporter:Reporter:
To clarify, does either suspect have any known history of extremism or radicalisation at this time?To clarify, does either suspect have any known history of extremism or radicalisation at this time?
Patton:Patton:
To be perfectly clear and reiterate once again, neither of the two persons taken into custody, we do not have any intelligence or any evidence or any suggestion of extremism nor involvement in any is related matters.To be perfectly clear and reiterate once again, neither of the two persons taken into custody, we do not have any intelligence or any evidence or any suggestion of extremism nor involvement in any is related matters.
On the second person arrested, the 24-year-old man, he said:On the second person arrested, the 24-year-old man, he said:
We not yet been determined whether he was involved, and it is quite probable he was not. We are still exploring that.We not yet been determined whether he was involved, and it is quite probable he was not. We are still exploring that.
The acting police commissioner, Shane Patton, says that police believe the incident is more connected to drug and mental health issues than any national security concerns.The acting police commissioner, Shane Patton, says that police believe the incident is more connected to drug and mental health issues than any national security concerns.
He tells a reporter you should not call it a “lone wolf” incident.He tells a reporter you should not call it a “lone wolf” incident.
I think to describe this as a lone wolf incident is probably not apt. This is an horrific incident where a person drove directly at pedestrians. It is a crime and we will be fully exploring that ... as I have said earlier, one of the key aspects we are exploring is in respect to mental health backgrounds and drug use in respect of this individual.I think to describe this as a lone wolf incident is probably not apt. This is an horrific incident where a person drove directly at pedestrians. It is a crime and we will be fully exploring that ... as I have said earlier, one of the key aspects we are exploring is in respect to mental health backgrounds and drug use in respect of this individual.
We will work through that and see if there are any learnings.We will work through that and see if there are any learnings.
Patton alleged the driver drove up the tram tracks on Flinders Street and hit pedestrians in the intersection.Patton alleged the driver drove up the tram tracks on Flinders Street and hit pedestrians in the intersection.
He said he was “loath” to call it a repeat incident from the Bourke Street tragedy.He said he was “loath” to call it a repeat incident from the Bourke Street tragedy.
This is a separate incident and the reasons why it has occurred, the causation, the responsibility, that is what we are exploring.This is a separate incident and the reasons why it has occurred, the causation, the responsibility, that is what we are exploring.
Both Patton and the premier, Daniel Andrews, have urged Melburnians to go about their normal lives and not to avoid public events – they say there is no increased threat level.Both Patton and the premier, Daniel Andrews, have urged Melburnians to go about their normal lives and not to avoid public events – they say there is no increased threat level.
“We have seen our best in Victoria police who were on scene in 15 seconds,” premier Andrews says. pic.twitter.com/lnS6re6EP1“We have seen our best in Victoria police who were on scene in 15 seconds,” premier Andrews says. pic.twitter.com/lnS6re6EP1
The premier, Daniel Andrews, says four of the 19 people injured in the incident are critically injured, while the remaining 15 are in a stable condition.The premier, Daniel Andrews, says four of the 19 people injured in the incident are critically injured, while the remaining 15 are in a stable condition.
The patient in the Royal Children’s Hospital is in a stable condition.The patient in the Royal Children’s Hospital is in a stable condition.
Both the alleged driver and the off-duty police officer who arrested him are among those receiving treatment for less serious injuries.Both the alleged driver and the off-duty police officer who arrested him are among those receiving treatment for less serious injuries.
On the off-duty officer, Andrews said:On the off-duty officer, Andrews said:
I think we would be right to single him out for special praise for the way in which she instinctively came to the aid of others.I think we would be right to single him out for special praise for the way in which she instinctively came to the aid of others.
Andrews said the incident was “an act of evil”.Andrews said the incident was “an act of evil”.
What occurred on Flinders Street this afternoon was an act of evil. And an act of cowardice.What occurred on Flinders Street this afternoon was an act of evil. And an act of cowardice.
At a time of the year when so many families are celebrating the end to the, doing their Christmas shopping, making plans for what should we are festive season, we have seen a horrific act, an evil act, an act of cowardice, perpetrated against innocent bystanders.At a time of the year when so many families are celebrating the end to the, doing their Christmas shopping, making plans for what should we are festive season, we have seen a horrific act, an evil act, an act of cowardice, perpetrated against innocent bystanders.
We are all caught up in this. We are all deeply saddens and deeply wounded by this terrible act.We are all caught up in this. We are all deeply saddens and deeply wounded by this terrible act.
The acting police commissioner, Shane Patton, is speaking in Melbourne. He says there is no evidence the incident is connected to terrorism.The acting police commissioner, Shane Patton, is speaking in Melbourne. He says there is no evidence the incident is connected to terrorism.
At this time we do not have any evidence for any intelligence to indicate there is a connection with terrorism. I want to reiterate that. At this time we do not have any evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism. Having said that, however, we continue to support this investigation without counterterrorism command to ensure that there isn’t that connection and that there is no ongoing threat.At this time we do not have any evidence for any intelligence to indicate there is a connection with terrorism. I want to reiterate that. At this time we do not have any evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism. Having said that, however, we continue to support this investigation without counterterrorism command to ensure that there isn’t that connection and that there is no ongoing threat.
Acting Vic police chief commissioner Shane Patton says incident in CBD was “absolutely horrific”. @callapilla pic.twitter.com/aZ0ih8rF2KActing Vic police chief commissioner Shane Patton says incident in CBD was “absolutely horrific”. @callapilla pic.twitter.com/aZ0ih8rF2K
Patton said the alleged driver of the car was a 32-year-old man of Afghan descent who was known to police. He is not currently on bail or subject to any corrections order but hasPatton said the alleged driver of the car was a 32-year-old man of Afghan descent who was known to police. He is not currently on bail or subject to any corrections order but has
a history of drug use and mental health issues.a history of drug use and mental health issues.
The driver was arrested by an off-duty police officer, who is one of the 19 people injured in the incident.The driver was arrested by an off-duty police officer, who is one of the 19 people injured in the incident.
The other man who was arrested, a 24-year-old man, was not connected to the incident but was seen filming the incident and allegedly had knives in his bag, Patton said.The other man who was arrested, a 24-year-old man, was not connected to the incident but was seen filming the incident and allegedly had knives in his bag, Patton said.
Police are satisfied only one person was in the car.Police are satisfied only one person was in the car.
Police just released the following statement:Police just released the following statement:
The investigation into the incident where a number of pedestrians were struck in the Melbourne CBD this afternoon continues.The investigation into the incident where a number of pedestrians were struck in the Melbourne CBD this afternoon continues.
At 4.41pm a white 4WD struck a number of pedestrians at the intersection of Flinders and Elizabeth Street.At 4.41pm a white 4WD struck a number of pedestrians at the intersection of Flinders and Elizabeth Street.
Police arrived within seconds of the incident and arrested two men at the scene.Police arrived within seconds of the incident and arrested two men at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was arrested by an off-duty male police officer shortly after followed by general duties police and members from the critical incident response team (CIRT).The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was arrested by an off-duty male police officer shortly after followed by general duties police and members from the critical incident response team (CIRT).
The officer sustained shoulder and hand injuries during the arrest and has been conveyed to hospital.The officer sustained shoulder and hand injuries during the arrest and has been conveyed to hospital.
The driver has been taken to hospital under police guard.The driver has been taken to hospital under police guard.
The second person arrested, a 24-year-old man, was arrested by CIRT.The second person arrested, a 24-year-old man, was arrested by CIRT.
It’s now believed he had no links to the incident, however he is still assisting police with enquiries.It’s now believed he had no links to the incident, however he is still assisting police with enquiries.
Nineteen pedestrians were injured during the incident and conveyed to hospital.Nineteen pedestrians were injured during the incident and conveyed to hospital.
Two people were also treated for non-collision related injuries.Two people were also treated for non-collision related injuries.
At this time police believe this is a deliberate act, however it is only early in the investigation.At this time police believe this is a deliberate act, however it is only early in the investigation.
The press conference with police and the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, is about to start.The press conference with police and the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, is about to start.
Police and the premier about to give an update on the Flinders St incident pic.twitter.com/Eqc7kBYv3WPolice and the premier about to give an update on the Flinders St incident pic.twitter.com/Eqc7kBYv3W
St Paul’s Cathedral, which towers over Flinders Street about 250m from the crash site, has released a brief statement and photo that prominently features a sign saying “Let’s fully welcome refugees”.St Paul’s Cathedral, which towers over Flinders Street about 250m from the crash site, has released a brief statement and photo that prominently features a sign saying “Let’s fully welcome refugees”.
When our city hurts, we hurt. We continue to pray for all affected by the #FlindersStreet attack and for first responders, police and peace. pic.twitter.com/hVWOpYtQavWhen our city hurts, we hurt. We continue to pray for all affected by the #FlindersStreet attack and for first responders, police and peace. pic.twitter.com/hVWOpYtQav
That sign has been a feature of Melbourne for a number of years. It is, said one observer, “a reminder of the loving nature of Melbourne”.That sign has been a feature of Melbourne for a number of years. It is, said one observer, “a reminder of the loving nature of Melbourne”.
A reminder of the loving nature of #Melbourne: meters away from the #FlindersStreet attack is St Paul's Cathedral which has a large 'Let's Fully Welcome Refugees' banner at the entrance. pic.twitter.com/FXIoYuhBF1A reminder of the loving nature of #Melbourne: meters away from the #FlindersStreet attack is St Paul's Cathedral which has a large 'Let's Fully Welcome Refugees' banner at the entrance. pic.twitter.com/FXIoYuhBF1
People have also praised the actions of bystanders in rushing to help those injured and the general level of concern shown by people in the street even some hours after the attack.People have also praised the actions of bystanders in rushing to help those injured and the general level of concern shown by people in the street even some hours after the attack.
The one thing I can't stop thinking is all the people helping people, all the people that stop me and ask if I was ok. All the people that run to help. There was so much love in that hell. Don't forget that. Don't forget that love is our biggest weapon #FlindersStreet #melbourneThe one thing I can't stop thinking is all the people helping people, all the people that stop me and ask if I was ok. All the people that run to help. There was so much love in that hell. Don't forget that. Don't forget that love is our biggest weapon #FlindersStreet #melbourne
That was also remarked upon following the Bourke Street tragedy 11 months ago.That was also remarked upon following the Bourke Street tragedy 11 months ago.
Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey has updated our main story on the incident, wrapping in what we know so far. You can read it here:Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey has updated our main story on the incident, wrapping in what we know so far. You can read it here:
Tony Walker is the chief executive of Ambulance Victoria.Tony Walker is the chief executive of Ambulance Victoria.
Thank you to our @AmbulanceVic staff, emergency services colleagues and community members who responded to the incident in the CBD today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends.Thank you to our @AmbulanceVic staff, emergency services colleagues and community members who responded to the incident in the CBD today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends.
Melbourne MP Adam Bandt has made another short statement:Melbourne MP Adam Bandt has made another short statement:
Everyone in Melbourne would have crossed that intersection at one time or another. As we think about everyone hurt and in hospital, their families and their loved ones, let’s not close up with fear but open up with love.Everyone in Melbourne would have crossed that intersection at one time or another. As we think about everyone hurt and in hospital, their families and their loved ones, let’s not close up with fear but open up with love.
The premier, Daniel Andrews, the police minister, Lisa Neville, and the acting Victoria police commissioner, Shane Patton, will hold a joint press conference at 9.30pm.The premier, Daniel Andrews, the police minister, Lisa Neville, and the acting Victoria police commissioner, Shane Patton, will hold a joint press conference at 9.30pm.
Andrews government ministers have praised the work of emergency services this afternoon.Andrews government ministers have praised the work of emergency services this afternoon.
Our emergency services are always there when we need them most. To @VictoriaPolice @AmbulanceVic & @MFB_NEWS thank you 🙏 And to those that were directly affected or innocent bystanders, know that we are all thinking of you #SpringSt https://t.co/uvy8R0HUqROur emergency services are always there when we need them most. To @VictoriaPolice @AmbulanceVic & @MFB_NEWS thank you 🙏 And to those that were directly affected or innocent bystanders, know that we are all thinking of you #SpringSt https://t.co/uvy8R0HUqR
My heart breaks for my beautiful city and its people. Thank you to our dedicated, fast acting emergency responders especially @VictoriaPolice & @AmbulanceVic #springstMy heart breaks for my beautiful city and its people. Thank you to our dedicated, fast acting emergency responders especially @VictoriaPolice & @AmbulanceVic #springst
Federal MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, said he was “thinking of everyone in the city right now.”Federal MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, said he was “thinking of everyone in the city right now.”
😞 terrible news emerging from central Melb. Devastating. We’re all thinking of everyone in the city right now. Thank you, first responders. https://t.co/edR6pKbSlg😞 terrible news emerging from central Melb. Devastating. We’re all thinking of everyone in the city right now. Thank you, first responders. https://t.co/edR6pKbSlg
We still haven’t heard any update on the 14 people injured in the incident.We still haven’t heard any update on the 14 people injured in the incident.
Ambulance Victoria said it carried 13 people to hospital, including three to the Alfred hospital and three to Royal Melbourne hospital, Melbourne’s leading trauma hospitals.Ambulance Victoria said it carried 13 people to hospital, including three to the Alfred hospital and three to Royal Melbourne hospital, Melbourne’s leading trauma hospitals.
Police said a number of those taken to hospital are critically injured. Among them is a preschool-aged child, who is reported to have suffered head injuries.Police said a number of those taken to hospital are critically injured. Among them is a preschool-aged child, who is reported to have suffered head injuries.