The investigation continues into the incident in which a number pedestrians were hit this afternoon in Melbourne’s CBD.
A white 4WD hit a number pedestrians near the intersection of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street at 4.41pm.
Two men were arrested by the police within seconds.
A male officer off duty arrested the driver, a man of 32 years old, shortly thereafter. General duties police, and members of the Critical Incident Response Team were also present.
The officer was taken to hospital after sustaining injuries to his shoulder and hands during the arrest.
Under police protection, the driver was taken to hospital.
The second arrest, a man of 24 years, was made by CIRT.
He is still helping police with their investigations, but it’s believed that he has no connection to the incident.
Nineteen pedestrians sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Two other people were treated for injuries that weren’t related to the collision.
Police believe that this was a deliberate act at this point in time, but it is still early on in the investigation.
Currently, the investigations are led by detectives at Crime Command.
The police and emergency services will remain at the scene for the foreseeable.
The crime scene will be active until 7am tomorrow.
Police ask people to avoid the area if they can.
The crime scene may contain items or vehicles that people own, but they won’t be able access them until the area has been reopened.
Victoria Police will continue to maintain a strong presence in Melbourne’s CBD.
This incident was traumatic for the victims, witnesses and their families.
The Spencer Street Police Complex, 313 Spencer Street, is asking anyone who saw the incident to come in and provide details as well as a statement.
The welfare services will be available to offer additional support.
If members of the public have video footage or images which may assist police with their investigation, they are encouraged to upload them here: http://australiauploadserviceweb.cloudapp.net
Please contact your loved ones directly if you have any concerns.
Contact the Victims Support Line at 1800 819 817 for more information. This number is available until 11pm.
Police urge anyone with any other information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
