Australia: At least two people killed during hostage situation in Melbourne June 5

Event

At least two people were killed during a hostage situation in the Brighton area of Melbourne on Monday, June 5. Police officers responded to reports of an explosion at the Buckingham Serviced Apartments on Bay Street at around 16:00 (local time). After arriving on the scene, the officers found a man shot to death in the building. The suspected shooter took a woman hostage and barricaded himself in the building. According to police officials, the shooter exited the building at approximately 18:00 and opened fire on the officers, wounded three of them, before being killed. Avoid the area.

Context

Officials are still investigating the motive for the incident. According to the Melbourne deputy police commissioner, it is unclear if the shooting is terror related.

Australian security forces have become increasingly worried about homegrown extremism and, as a consequence, the terrorist threat level was raised in September 2014. Australian officials say they have now prevented more than ten terrorist attacks on home soil over the past two years.

Advice

Individuals in Melbourne are advised to avoid the area of the incident, remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.