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Melbourne crash: police call Flinders Street car incident 'a deliberate act' – live updates Melbourne crash: no evidence of terror link, say police – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Assistant commissioner Shane Patton has been asked again if there are any possible connections to terrorism.
Reporter:
To clarify, does either suspect have any known history of extremism or radicalisation at this time?
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.
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.
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.
I think to describe this as a lone wolf incident is not 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.
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.
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.
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acting 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 has
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 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 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.
The incident comes one day after Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced plans for a public memorial of the Bourke Street tragedy, which occurred on 20 January, 2017.
Six people were killed and 27 injured when a car ran into pedestrians in Melbourne’s Bourke Street mall, which is three blocks up from the intersection on Flinders Street, where the incident occurred this afternoon.
Melbourne man Dimitrious Gargasoulas, 27, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of murder.
There is no suggestion of a connection between the two incidents. As previously reported, police have said it is too early in their investigations to comment on the motivations of the driver in this afternoon’s incident.
Christmas event cancelled:
Following the distressing event that occurred on Flinders Street, we’ve cancelled tonight’s Christmas Projections across all sites in the city and Docklands. Our thoughts go out to everyone who was impacted.
This is the scene looking back along Flinders Street to Swanston Street. The white SUV that went through the intersection came to rest when it hit the concrete barrier of the tram stop.
Police have made a number of requests for any videos or photos that people may have of the incident. They can be submitted here, the link is also in the below tweet.
If members of the public have video footage or images, which may assist police with their investigation regarding the Flinders Street incident that took place this afternoon, they are encouraged to upload them here: https://t.co/oFfWkid509 pic.twitter.com/HlHsvPQFL4
The City of Melbourne has rereleased that statement, which was posted then deleted by deputy mayor Arron Wood earlier.
Statement from the City of Melbourne pic.twitter.com/E0PKsWtaGh
New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has also offered her support.
My thoughts are with Australia and the people of Melbourne- such a shocking incident this afternoon. Thinking of all the victims and their families.
Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has issued a brief statement on twitter about the incident.
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. https://t.co/JkUM9TuIQe
The Herald Sun’s Rob Harris reported earlier that the incident had not yet been elevated to the National Security Committee because the motives of the driver remained unclear.
Melbourne incident remains a state investigation. PM has been updated on events but situation has not yet to be elevated to National Security Committee. Source say motives remain unclear.
Police have been progressively pushing back their cordon to allow investigators clear access to the scene.
Traffic along Flinders Street has been blocked from Queens Bridge, on Market Street, to Swanston Street. The police cordon has been pushed back several hundred metres from the Elizabeth Street intersection, to Queen Street in the east and Swanston Street in the west.
This was the scene on Flinders Street shortly after the incident.
Police are yet to give a clear indication of the motivation for the crash, but we are starting to get a clear indication of how it occurred.
The white SUV ran through the intersection on Flinders and Elizabeth Streets in Melbourne around 4.45pm.
According to various eyewitness reports, it reached pedestrians about six or seven seconds after pedestrians were given the green light to cross the road.
It came from the Swanston Street end of Flinders Street and hit a number of pedestrians before striking the concrete barrier of the tram stop on Flinders Street just past the Elizabeth Street intersection.
That intersection is one of the busiest in Melbourne and is multi-directional, meaning that when the pedestrian lights go, people cross on the diagonal and swarm the road. Witnesses say between 40 and 60 people where in the interaction when the SUV went through.
One witness told the ABC that a number of bystanders responded quickly to assist those who had been injured, and one immediately approached the driver’s side of the car. The suggestion is they attempted to detain them.
Police arrived within minutes.
The male driver was arrested very quickly by police, and a second man, who was also alleged to have been in the car, has also been arrested.
Fourteen people have been injured and taken to various hospitals around the city. Police have said a number of those injuries are critical. One of those injured is a young child, who it has been reported had head injuries.
Police say have said the crash was a “deliberate act” but it is too early to know what motivated it.