A New Zealander is among the 18 injured after a man drove into pedestrians last night in Melbourne, the High Commission in Canberra has announced.
The white 4WD was driven into pedestrians before crashing into a tram stop. Photo: AFP
Four people are in a critical condition after what police said was a deliberate attack, while 14 others are in a stable condition.
Police said the driver - also admitted to hospital in a stable condition - was a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan descent, and was known to police, but was not on bail at the time of the incident.
"The New Zealand High Commission in Canberra confirm that one New Zealand citizen has been injured following the incident on Flinders Street in Melbourne's CBD," an MFAT spokesperson said.
"The New Zealand High Commission has offered consular assistance to the New Zealander and their family. Due to privacy considerations we are unable to provide any further information.
Do you know more? Send us an email: iwitness@radionz.co.nz
"The High Commission remains in contact with local authorities following this incident."
Police earlier said the driver had a history of assault, drug use and mental health issues.
Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the man was arrested by an "heroic" off-duty police officer.
Police detain a man after the Flinders Street incident. Photo: Screengrab / @lachlanve / via ABC
"To step in when you see that trauma, not understanding what the threat is … and take somebody into custody not knowing what he is risking himself - it is heroic," he said.
But he said there was no evidence to indicate there was a connection with terrorism.
However, he said they would continue to work with the Counter-terrorism Command to ensure there was no connection and ongoing threat.
A second man, 24, was seen filming the incident and was found to be carrying a bag with knifes in it.
He was also arrested, but police believe he had no links to the incident. He is still helping police with their inquiries.
"We believe based on what we have seen that it is a deliberate act. The motivations are unknown," Victoria Police Commander Russell Barrett said.
Key points
- A white 4WD drives through pedestrians before crashing into a tram stop
- 18 people and the driver were hurt, several in a critical condition
- Police arrest two men including the 32-year-old driver and believe it was a "deliberate act"
Premier Daniel Andrews described the incident as "an act of evil and an act of cowardice".
"We have seen a horrific act … perpetrated against innocent bystanders," he said.
"But at the same time we have seen in the worst of times extraordinary courage, bravery and that Victorian spirit where people unknown to each other have extended a hand of care and friendship and love."
A witness, David, said the car appeared to be travelling between 60 and 100 kilometres per hour.
"So it hit people in a fair speed and at least one or two of them got thrown pretty high into the air," he said.
"When the police arrived, which was probably after about two to three minutes at the most, they arrested the driver."
Sarah, 18, and a friend said they got off a train at Flinders Street Station and saw people crying.
She said the scene outside the station was "horrific" and the injuries looked "very serious".
"We saw like 10 pedestrians on the ground," Sarah said.
"There were three groups of people surrounding them and there was blood and people crying and it was just very, very sad."
Police said they "saturated the CBD area in the vicinity of Flinders, Elizabeth and Swanston streets to ensure community safety".
Counsellors were also sent to the scene.
Commander Barrett said the crime scene would remain in place for a considerable time and he urged people to avoid the area.
He said people who had left vehicles or items inside the crime scene would not be able to retrieve them until it reopened.
"Police will continue to have a strong presence in the Melbourne CBD tonight," Commander Barrett said.
"We understand this has been a very traumatic event and there'll be witnesses, victims and family members affected."
Melbourne has been on high alert for a pedestrian attack since a driver allegedly ran down pedestrians in the busy Bourke Street mall in January.
- ABC