'Act of evil': Driver arrested after 4WD hits pedestrians on Flinders Street

A car has hit pedestrians on Melbourne’s Flinders Street resulting in the arrest of the driver - who police say has a history of mental illness.

The driver, 32, has been arrested after a car ploughed into 19 pedestrians on Flinders Street. 

A second man, 24, was initially arrested but police have since said he has no links to the incident. 

Victoria Police are currently attending the scene of the incident between Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street.

Police officers will remain at the scene for the foreseeable future - at least until 7am tomorrow.

Police say the driver of the vehicle, was arrested by an off-duty police officer.