A 26-year-old man has been arrested after a vehicle "deliberately" struck down a number of pedestrians near Bourke and Queen Street in Melbourne's CBD just before 2pm on Friday, police have confirmed.
Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said through that process of the suspect driving into people "currently we have three people who have been confirmed deceased".
Fifth people were killed, including a baby. More than 20 others have been injured.
Four have been taken to Royal Children's Hospital. Five have been taken to The Alfred Hospital. Three of those are in critical conditions and two are in serious conditions.
The offender is now in custody and assisting police with their inquiries, Chief Commissioner Ashton added.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked emergency services for their work "in the most difficult circumstances".
"They have supported the most vulnerable and [the police] have apprehended the person involved in this terrible criminal act.
He said he was proud about the way the public responded to this event.
"We can be confident that we are stronger than this evil criminal act," he added.
Witnesses said on social media they also heard shots being fired and saw emergency services speeding down the streets.
Police confirmed they shot the suspect in the arm and the injuries were non-life threatening.
Victoria Police cordoned off the scene and were urging people to avoid the area, however they indicated that the situation had been contained and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Mr Bateson said it was "not a CT [counter-terrorism] related incident".
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the suspect was well known to police.
"We have mental health and drug-related issues in the background of this particular person.
He had come to their attention regarding family violence-related assaults in recent days.
"We do believe this is connected with an earlier incident in Windsor this morning."
Police fire shots and seize driver in Bourke St, Melbourne #news #melbourne pic.twitter.com/47RiyJvW0Q
— bwadamson (@BWAdamson) January 20, 2017
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