Date Time
Police arrest three in counter terrorism operation in Melbourne
Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and other agencies which form part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team have conducted an operation in Melbourne today.
Police arrested three males and executed two warrants in Epping and Pascoe Vale this morning.
It will be alleged that a 19-year-old Epping man attempted to engage in a terrorist act.
He was interviewed by police in relation to suspected terrorism offences.
A 20-year-old Epping man also remains in custody while a 16-year-old Pascoe Vale youth was released pending further enquiries.
Police will allege the 19-year-old attempted to engage in a terrorist act.
Police say they suspect two incidents that occurred earlier in the year â a fire lit on February 18 in bushland outside of Melbourne and a public assault on a person in metropolitan Melbourne on March 10 â could have been motivated by religious extremism.
Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Hermans said investigators believed the risk posed by the three individuals had been increasing, prompting police to carry out the raids under Operation Loon Beek.
âWe saw a risk profile that was increasing, and we took action,â Mr Hermans said.
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