A man has been taken into custody following a dramatic security incident at the Russian consulate in Sydney, where a vehicle was deliberately driven through the compound's front gates.
The alarming event unfolded on Sunday, sending shockwaves through the affluent suburb of Woollahra. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash as the car smashed through the main entrance of the diplomatic mission.
New South Wales Police confirmed they responded swiftly to reports of a security breach. Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended the scene and subsequently arrested a man at the location.
Authorities have stated that the individual is currently assisting police with their inquiries as they work to determine the precise motive behind the aggressive act. Early reports indicate the driver acted alone, though investigations remain ongoing.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported despite the violent nature of the breach. The incident caused significant property damage to the consulate's perimeter security infrastructure.
The Russian diplomatic mission in Sydney has been the site of previous protests since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, though police have not yet confirmed if this incident is connected to geopolitical tensions.
Security has been tightened around the consulate following the attack, with police maintaining a visible presence in the area. Forensic officers conducted a thorough examination of the scene throughout Sunday.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been notified of the security breach at the diplomatic facility. International conventions protect diplomatic premises, making this attack a particularly serious matter.
