Heavily-armed police arrest group after tip-off about ‘violent act possibly being planned’ at Bondi Bach
Heavily armed counter-terrorism police detained a group of men in dramatic scenes after receiving information that “a violent act was likely being planned” in Sydney.
NSW Police swooped in on the men, who reportedly arrived from Melbourne and were heading to the iconic beach on Thursday.
Camouflaged police carrying rifles were seen surrounding at least three men as they sat leaning against a fence with their hands wired behind their backs near George St and Campbell St in Liverpool.
While rubber bullets were fired at the scene, the rear window of a car was broken.
“Tactical Operations police responded to information that a violent act was possibly being planned,” police said in a statement.
“Police later seized two vehicles as part of the investigation.
“While investigations are ongoing, seven people are assisting police with their investigations.
“At this point police have not identified any link to the current police investigation into the Bondi terror attack.”
Photos show police seizing the group’s cellphones and taking them as evidence.
One of the police’s four-wheel drive vehicles deliberately crashed into the front of a white Hyundai i30 during a traffic stop.
An eyewitness told The Daily Telegraph that police cars “crashed into the white car”. They also said they heard something that “sounded like fireworks.” It was reported that as the operation progressed, surrounding businesses were also quarantined.
