Melbourne attack: One dead and two hurt as knifeman stabs crowd in Australian city

One person has been killed and two others injured after a knifeman went on a stabbing rampage in a terror attack in central Melbourne.

The man launched his attack at about 4.20pm (5.20am UK time) on Friday, after his pick-up truck loaded with "barbecue-style gas cylinders” exploded on a busy shopping street. Police shot him after he lunged at officers, trying to stab them.

The three victims were stabbed before police arrived. One died at the scene, while the other two were rushed to hospital.

The knifeman also died of his gunshot injuries in hospital. Police confirmed it was terror related and that the culprit was known to officers.

Chief commissioner Graham Ashton said at a press conference: "What we know so far about this person, we are treating this as a terrorism incident. An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the counter terrorism command.

“He is known to police mainly in respect to relatives that he has who are certainly persons of interest to us. At this stage, that’s all we’re prepared to say about the individual."

Melbourne Stabbing - In pictures

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It is believed the man arrived in Australia in the 1990s from Somalia and lived in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs. His possible links to known terror plotters and extremists in Australia were being investigated, it was reported.

Mr Ashton added there was "no ongoing threat to the public" in wake of the attack, but that security of public events in the city was being re-assessed.

Police at the scene of the incident in Melbourne's central business district
William West/AFP/Getty Images

One dramatic video posted on social media showed the man swinging a knife at police officers responding to the incident.

One of the officers raised a weapon, before a shot was heard and the man fell to the ground clutching his chest.

Supt David Clayton speaks at a press conference, where he confirmed one person had died
Reuters

It happened yards from the truck, which was in flames. The man reportedly threw an explosive into the vehicle, before allowing it roll down the road and explode.

Supt David Clayton said at a press conference at the scene: “Police quickly responded to the incident. As they got out of the car, they were confronted by a male brandishing a knife and threatening them.

The scene was cordoned by police after officers shot a knife-wielding suspect
William West/AFP/Getty Images

“At the same time, passers-by were calling out that members of the public had been stabbed.

"Police shot the male in a chest and he is now in a critical condition in hospital.

“Three people have been stabbed. Unfortunately, one is deceased at the scene.

"Two other victims are currently in hospital. Police are not looking for any other offenders at this stage.”

A video still of a man attacking police officers responding to the incident in central Melbourne
EPA/STR Australia

The man was also arrested, and taken to hospital under a police guard before he died.

Some images from the scene showed a body lying in the road, covered by a sheet. A pair of shoes were next to the body.

The burnt-out pick-up truck in Bourke Street. The attacker had tried to stab police officers yards from the vehicle
James Ross/AP

There was a huge police presence in the area, as Victoria Police urged people with further video footage to come forward.

Victoria State premier Daniel Andrews said the incident was “an evil and terrible thing that has happened to our city”.

The attack happened on a busy shopping street in Melbourne
Benita Kolovos/EPA

Melbourne’s lord mayor Sally Capp said: “It’s at times like this when we need to be incredibly supportive and empathetic of all Melburnians.”

This story is being updated...

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