Australia: November 9 Melbourne knife attack treated as act of terrorism /update 1

Event

The knife attack that took place in downtown Melbourne, on Bourke Street, at around 16:20 (local time) on Friday, November 9, is being treating as an act of terrorism, despite earlier police statements. One person was fatally stabbed while two others were injured. The attacker, originally from Somalia and known to the police, was subsequently shot by the police and died at the hospital. Investigations are underway.

Certain areas of the Central Business District remain cordoned off by the authorities, causing related disruptions.

Context

Police were initially on the scene to respond to a vehicle set on fire, which is now thought to have belonged to the knife-wielding individual. Gas tanks were suspected to be present in the vehicle.

Advice

Individuals in Melbourne should monitor developments and avoid the Bourke Street area until the situation normalizes.