Man tried to grab Vic parliament PSO gun

Victoria's parliamentary presiding officers say security at parliament house ie effective, after a man was arrested when he tried to grab a PSO's gun

A man has allegedly tried to grab a gun from a guard on the steps of Victoria's parliament house.

The man was walking up the steps when two protective services officers became concerned about his conduct and approached him.

Police allege he then tried to grab a gun from one of the officers, but the PSO kept his weapon away from the man.

Victoria's parliamentary presiding officers said the incident showed security measures at parliament house were effective in protecting public safety.

"The action of the protective services officers ensured that the incident was resolved quickly," Legislative Assembly Speaker Christine Fyffe and Legislative Council president Bruce Atkinson said in a statement.

Premier Denis Napthine said the incident was dealt with quickly and appropriately.

Police said the Wednesday lunchtime incident was not terrorism related.

Security at parliament house has been increased in recent weeks after Australia's terror alert level was raised.

"These measures are important in ensuring the safety of all who work at and visit parliament house," the presiding officers said.

After a gunman killed a soldier and fired shots in the Canadian parliament building last week, Ms Fyffe and Mr Atkinson said increased measures had already been implemented in response to the heightened national security alert.

Dr Napthine said Ms Fyffe and Mr Atkinson were happy with security at parliament.

"In our discussion with the Speaker and the president, they're happy with the security, although they continually review and upgrade," Dr Napthine told reporters.

"But in light of the incident in Ottawa there have been ongoing reviews and upgrades.

"I think it highlights the need to make sure that our PSOs and our police officers who are properly and fully trained have the equipment they need to keep themselves and the community safe."

Police said neither the man nor the PSOs were injured, but an ambulance was called to take the man to hospital for an assessment.

The 31-year-old Wantirna South man is in custody and assisting with police inquiries.

The armed guards were ordered to operate in pairs after a PSO was bashed with a hammer while patrolling the parliament grounds in December 2012.

The man who bashed him fled with the guard's gun and fatally shot himself in nearby parkland.


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