Man arrested over Bourke Street threat in Melbourne
Quick Look
- Police arrested a 31-year-old man in Melbourne's CBD over an alleged threat to carry out an incident on Bourke Street.
- The man, of no fixed address, was apprehended on Swanston Street and is being interviewed.
- Police stated the CBD was safe and no danger to the public.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Police in Melbourne's CBD responded to an alleged threat made by a man to Channel Nine, which mentioned Bourke Street as a potential target. The man was tracked down and arrested on Swanston Street.
A man who allegedly threatened to carry out an incident in Melbourne's Bourke Street tonight has been arrested by police.
Inspector Dale Huntingdon said it was alleged a man phoned Channel Nine in Sydney on Thursday afternoon to make the threat.
The outlet then immediately phoned Crime Stoppers.
Inspector Huntingdon said the alleged threat was in relation to Melbourne's CBD.
"But we've also had streets mentioned as well, so Bourke Street was one, but that was just one of a few," he said.
Police tracked a 31-year-old man to McDonald's on Swanston Street, in the CBD, just after 7:30pm, when he was arrested by uniformed police and the Critical Incident Response Team.
Inspector Huntingdon said police took all threats seriously and acted as quickly as they can.
Melbourne City Council staff were earlier alerted by text to avoid the Bourke Street area after 7pm tonight.
The incident is still under investigation, but police said there was no danger to the public, although extra police patrolled the CBD in response to the alleged threat.
"I just want that to get out to anyone that the CBD was quite safe during this period," Inspector Huntingdon said.
The man, of no fixed address, is being interviewed.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Open Questions
- What was the specific nature of the threat?
- What was the man's motive?
- What charges will the man face?
- Will there be any long-term security changes in the CBD?