A group of men travelling from Victoria were dramatically intercepted by heavily armed tactical police in Sydney’s south-west while travelling to Bondi Beach on Thursday afternoon. The authorities received information, suggesting a violent act may have been in the planning stages, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The men were stopped in Liverpool while driving a white hatchback with Victorian registration plates. Officers from the Tactical Operations Unit rammed the vehicle before detaining five occupants, forcing them onto the footpath and restraining them with zip ties. Some of the men appeared to have sustained injuries during the operation, with at least one seen bleeding from the head, the report added.
Tactical unit intercepts vehicles in coordinated operation
As per The Sydney Morning Herald, sources familiar with the incident said the group had been flagged because they were known to authorities. While unconfirmed, investigators believe a weapon may have been located inside the vehicle. The reason for the group’s travel, which reportedly included plans to head towards Bondi Beach, remained unclear late Thursday evening.
A second hatchback, also bearing Victorian number plates, was intercepted a short distance away. Two additional men were arrested during that stop. Video footage circulating on social media showed officers in camouflage gear and carrying high-powered weapons securing multiple suspects at the intersection of George Street and Campbell Street, the report further added.
Police rule out link to Bondi investigation
In a statement issued shortly after 8.15pm, NSW Police confirmed the operation had concluded and assured the public there was no further threat.
“Police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack,” the statement said.
The police added that the action followed “information received that a violent act was possibly being planned”.
Additional footage from the scene showed damaged vehicles, including a Hyundai hatchback with a shattered windscreen, and what appeared to be evidence bags placed near mobile phones. Media reports suggested beanbag rounds may have been deployed during the arrests. The detained men were later moved away from the road as officers continued checks in the area.