Police Arrest Man Allegedly Trying To Set Car On Fire Outside Parliament
A man allegedly threatening to set his car on fire outside Victoria's Parliament House has been dramatically arrested in a swift police operation in Melbourne's CBD.
The man was quickly taken into custody on Thursday afternoon, after driving a car in front of Victorian parliament. Witnesses claimed they heard him saying he had flammable liquid in the car, while others said police had moved onlookers back because of a risk of explosion.
Police later advised that the incident was not terror-related, and was being treated as a self-harm episode.
Spring Street was closed as police and emergency services attended the scene.
It is believed the man was dragged out of the car, arrested and taken away. Photos from the scene showed a red jerry can on the ground near the car.
Trams were diverted from the area, but have since resumed.
Police declined to comment when contacted by 10 daily, saying the episode was being treated as a self-harm incident. Police later reassured the public that the incident had been contained, and was not linked to terrorism.
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