DRAMATIC footage has emerged showing the terrifying moment masked assailants brandishing machetes stormed Melbourne's bustling CBD in a brazen daylight carjacking operation that sent shockwaves through the city.
The chilling incident, captured on multiple security cameras, unfolded near the intersection of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets around 3:45 PM on Tuesday, turning the busy metropolitan area into a crime scene that resembled something from an action film.
Chaos in Broad Daylight
According to Victoria Police, the harrowing sequence began when three individuals - their faces concealed by masks and armed with large bladed weapons - targeted multiple vehicles in quick succession. Witnesses described scenes of pure terror as the criminals smashed car windows and threatened drivers with the vicious-looking machetes.
"One moment I'm waiting at the traffic lights, the next there's a man with a massive knife at my window screaming at me to get out," recounted one shaken driver who narrowly escaped the ordeal. "I've never been so terrified in my life."
Police Response and Arrests
Victoria Police responded with overwhelming force, deploying multiple units to contain the situation. The swift police action resulted in the apprehension of several suspects near the scene, though authorities continue to investigate whether all perpetrators have been accounted for.
"This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act that put numerous members of the public at risk," stated a Victoria Police spokesperson. "We're thankful that no serious physical injuries have been reported, though the psychological impact on victims cannot be underestimated."
City on Edge
The brazen nature of the attack has raised serious concerns about public safety in Melbourne's central business district. Business owners and residents expressed alarm at the escalating boldness of criminal activity occurring during peak hours in one of the city's busiest areas.
Local councillors have called for an immediate review of security measures in the CBD, while community leaders demand increased police visibility to prevent similar incidents.
The investigation continues as forensic teams examine the stolen vehicles and police piece together the full sequence of events that led to this shocking display of public violence.
