Seven Men Arrested in Dramatic Sydney Operation Over Possible ‘Violent Act’ – But Will Be Released If No Evidence is Found
- Seven men arrested in Liverpool, Sydney, over possible violent act, but may be released if police find no evidence
- Men travelled from Victoria, with investigators probing potential links to radical Islamic extremism
- No definitive link established to individuals involved in Bondi mass shooting, but police say ‘environment’ is being investigated
In a shocking turn of events, seven men arrested in a dramatic operation in Sydney’s south-west yesterday may soon be released if police fail to find sufficient evidence. The men, who were taken into custody after a car was rammed by tactical police in Liverpool, are being held under a Commonwealth detention order, which allows officers to hold them for 24 hours without charge.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed that the men had travelled from Victoria and that investigators were “certainly looking at” radical Islamic extremism as a potential motivator. “Whilst this specific threat posed by the males is unknown, I can say that the potential of a violent offence being committed was such that we were not prepared to tolerate the risk and interdict accordingly,” Commissioner Lanyon said.
The operation, which unfolded on the corner of George and Campbell streets in Liverpool, just across the road from a busy Westfield shopping centre, was sparked by information that “a violent act was possibly being planned”. However, police have not established any definitive link to the individuals involved in the Bondi mass shooting at this stage.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told the ABC that the men may have shared beliefs with the father and son behind Sunday’s terror attack and confirmed that the cars may have been travelling to Bondi. “We have some indication that Bondi was one of the locations they might be visiting yesterday, but with no specific intent in mind or proven at this stage,” he said.
When asked whether the men had links to “extremist Islamic ideology”, Hudson replied: “That’s our belief at this stage, yes”. He also revealed that the potential of the men travelling to Bondi was part of the reason for the police intervention. “That did cause us some concern, obviously, and was one of the escalating factors that caused the interdiction yesterday,” Hudson said.
Video footage from the operation shows police – armed with long-arm guns, and wearing camouflage fatigues, body armour and helmets – arresting, searching and handcuffing the men yesterday afternoon. One of the arrested men was seen on a stretcher, with a bloodied face and bandages around his head.
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has left the community on high alert, with many residents expressing shock and concern over the possible threat.