Police say three men allegedly planning a Melbourne terror attack tried to get a gun

Police allege the three men had been plotting a terrorist attack in a "crowded place" in Melbourne to kill as many as possible.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (left) and Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton address the media on counter terrorism raids in Melbourne. Source: AAP

Three men have been arrested in Melbourne for allegedly planning a terrorist attack. 

Police allege a 20-year-old Dallas man, a 26-year-old Campbellfield man and a 21-year-old Greenvale man were preparing to carry out a terrorist attack in Melbourne. 

Operation Donabate executed four search warrants at their homes and another property in Collaroo. 

Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said they did not know the exact location where the suspects were allegedly planning to carry out an attack, but they had enough evidence to suggest an attack was imminent.  

"There was a view towards a crowded place, a place where maximum people would be attending, to be able to kill, we allege, as maximum an amount of people as possible." 

Police believe the men had attempted to source a 0.22 calibre semi-automatic rifle in recent days. 

Commissioner Ashton said the suspects were Australian citizens of Turkish background and heir passports had been cancelled earlier this year.

Police say the threat is contained.