Reports of Stabbing, Explosion in Melbourne’s CBD

Further Update: Police have identified the attacker as Hassan Khalif Shire Ali

UPDATE: Police say that before they arrived at the scene, three members of the public had been stabbed by a man brandishing a knife. One victim died on the scene and the other two victims are in hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Reports of a potential stabbing incident are emerging from Melbourne’s CBD after police were called to respond to a car on fire at 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 9.

Two witnesses have told ABC news that they were shopping in the CBD when they saw what appeared to be a man throw a bomb into a car. This was followed by a large bang and the car was set on fire.

When the police officers arrived at the burning car, the man attacked the officers, witnesses told ABC.

Video from my friend Michael in Melbourne (not on Twitter) who saw the car on fire and started filming. Then saw the guy attack the cops. Shot fired at the end. So scary. Stay safe out there people. pic.twitter.com/mkwY7E9Xjs

— Brian Chase Olson (@BrianChaseOlson) November 9, 2018

Emergency services are asking people to avoid the Bourke St Mall.

We are hearing reports of a car on fire.
?@meegslouise pic.twitter.com/OSdSHFxESH

— ABC Melbourne (@abcmelbourne) November 9, 2018

The burning car was said to be at Bourke Street mall on the corner of Swanson Street.

Local media are reporting that witnesses reported seeing a man with a knife and hearing what sounded like gunfire.

On Bourke St. Roads blocked. pic.twitter.com/wimeJLNXWy

— mike yang (@fayfayang) November 9, 2018

Victoria Police have confirmed that they are not pursuing any more suspects in relation to the incident. They said that one man has been arrested and was sent to hospital in critical condition.

Police are not looking for anyone further at this early stage. A small number of people are being treated for stab wounds.

The exact circumstances are yet to be determined at this stage. The area has been cordoned off and the public are urged to avoid the area. (2/3)

— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018

A small number of people have been injured, with police saying that three people are in hospital. One is in critical condition after suffering a neck injury. Another person is reported to have suffered a head injury.

The exploded car was inside a designated pedestrian area. The City of Melbourne is in the process of installing bollards to block traffic access to pedestrian malls.

Police are urging members of the public to avoid Melbourne’s CBD.

.@VictoriaPolice urge public to avoid Melbourne CBD after reported car fire in #BourkeSt https://t.co/SLKuUflTQt pic.twitter.com/kgGiIOkjHh

— ABC Melbourne (@abcmelbourne) November 9, 2018

Police are also calling for witnesses to come forward. Witnesses can make a statement at Melbourne West Police Station. Any witnesses who caught footage of the incident are also asked to upload their files to the Victoria Police Facebook page.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to go to Melbourne West Police Station to make a statement. We will provide further information when it comes to hand. (3/3)

— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) November 9, 2018