Counter terrorism raids linked to fatal Melbourne siege
Victorian police have launched a series of counter terrorism raids in Ascot Vale that are reportedly linked to this week's fatal Brighton siege.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed the Friday morning raids are connected to Monday night's Brighton siege in which Melbourne man Yacqub Khayre shot and killed Chinese-born Kai Hao and held an escort hostage before dying in a hail of bullets.
“Yes I can confirm there are a number of warrants being executed in Melbourne this morning," Premier Andrews said.
"We are limited in what we can say, we don’t want to put any of our operation staff in harm’s way by speaking about these matters but they are in connection with the terrible, tragic events of Monday in Brighton."
A witness said at least 20 police were "running around" on a major road, including Special Operations Group officers.
"They are running around like mad," a caller to 3AW said.
"They're in transit but they must be close because they're running."
'This is for IS': What the Melbourne terrorist told 7 News during siege phone call
Melbourne terrorist hired sex worker to take hostage during deadly siege
Melbourne siege: Turnbull questions how man with violent history could be on the streets
"Victoria Police and their partners within the Joint Counter Terrorism Team are conducting a police operation in the northern suburbs this morning," Victoria Police said in a statement.
"As this relates to an ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further."
"The safety of the community and our members is paramount and more information will be released when it is safe to do so."
More to come.
