Sydney police ram automotive on approach to Bondi Beach and arrest seven males ‘planning violence’
Counter-terrorism police intercepted the men who were allegedly heading to Bondi Beach in Sydney and arrested them in Liverpool following intelligence about planned disorder
Armed officers rammed a vehicle to detain at least seven individuals suspected of plotting violence and reportedly heading towards Bondi Beach.
Video footage captured counter-terrorism police clad in camouflage gear and wielding assault rifles as they arrested and restrained the men. It’s believed that officers used a police Land Cruiser to collide with a white Hyundai transporting several of the suspects.
The individuals were spotted laying on the tarmac in handcuffs after authorities successfully stopped them at a junction in Liverpool. Local news outlets report that New South Wales police had received intelligence suggesting the group was planning to travel to Bondi Beach having journeyed from Melbourne.
Officials disclosed that “a violent act was possibly being planned” but emphasised they had discovered no links to the ongoing police probe into the Bondi terror incident.
Police stated the arrests represented a precautionary measure following the Bondi shooting. An official police statement declared: “A police operation is underway on George Street, Liverpool. There is no ongoing risk to the community. Further information will be available later today.”
Two gunmen unleashed gunfire at the renowned Sydney beach, claiming 15 lives, including a 10-year-old girl.
The perpetrators, a father and son duo, were motivated by the Islamic State (IS) terror group, Australian officials have confirmed.
Sajid Akram, 50, who was fatally shot by police at the location, and his 24-year-old son Naveed executed Australia’s most devastating mass shooting in recent memory. Naveed was critically wounded in a shootout with the police but has been recuperating since then.
After regaining consciousness from a coma on Tuesday, he was charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The charges against him include 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, placing an explosive near a building, discharging a firearm with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm, and publicly displaying a terrorist symbol.
He was apprehended at the scene of Sunday’s mass shooting and rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
