Australian police say they have foiled a terror attack planned for Melbourne tourist hotspots, possibly on Christmas Day.
Victoria Police chief Graham Ashton said the threat involved using explosives and other weapons, including knives or a firearm, in landmark locations including Flinders St Station, Federation Square and St Paul’s Cathedral.
He said there was no longer a threat to the public.
Five men were held in custody following early-morning raids in the north and west of the city.
Three men, aged 21, 24, and 26, have since been charged with Acts in Preparation Contrary to 101.6 of the Criminal Code (Commonwealth Offence) and have been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court April 28.
A 22-year-old man is still in police custody and will be facing an out of sessions hearing later today. A 21-year-old was released without charge.
Meanwhile, two men have been arrested in Germany suspected of planning an attack on a shopping centre in Oberhausen near the Dutch border.
Germany remains on high alert after Monday’s lorry attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, which left 12 dead and dozens injured.
A Europe-wide manhunt continues for the Tunisian suspect, Anis Amri.
The Christmas market has now reopened but police have installed concrete barriers to prevent a repeat attack.
