M e l b o u r n e , A u s t r a l i a -
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| Police officer confronting the attacker in Burke Street Twitter/Chris Macheras |
A stabbing incident in the city center Friday afternoon is being treated as terror related at this stage.
Emergency services responded to reports of a car fire in Bourke Street about 4.10pm. As police officers got out of their vehicle, they were confronted by a male who began a physical altercation with them. The man fled on foot and was chased by police, he then lunged at police with a knife. Police shot the 31-year-old and he was taken to hospital in a critical condition but he has since died.
The man was known to Victoria Police and federal intelligence authorities by way of his family associations.
Three men were stabbed during the incident. One man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. A 26-year-old and a 58-year-old have been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A police officer was treated for a minor injury at the scene.
The Bomb Response Unit attended and have deemed the burnt vehicle safe and a crime scene has been set up. Road blocks in the area are expected to remain in place throughout the night and members of the public are asked to avoid the area on Bourke Street between Russell and Swanston Streets.
Counter Terrorism Command in conjunction with the Homicide Squad will investigate the incident but police do not perceive any ongoing threats at this stage. There will be an increased police presence around the CBD and at major events in the coming days so the public can feel comfortable going about their business.
