Forest Hill Shopping Centre, Melbourne: Shoppers barricade inside stores after man with large knife spotted
Shoppers have been forced to lock themselves inside stores, with a video showing a man with a large knife.
Shoppers have been left shaken after a man was seen holding a large knife inside a busy Melbourne shopping centre, prompting people to lock themselves inside stores as police moved in.
Footage captured by a shopper shows a man inside Forest Hill Shopping Centre in east Melbourne about 11.50am on Thursday holding what appeared to be a large knife.
Witnesses say panic quickly spread through the centre as people, including families with children, sought shelter inside nearby shops while the situation unfolded.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 30-year-old man is also alleged to have made threats towards shoppers, including mothers with children, according to 3AW radio host Jacqui Felgate, who posted about the incident on social media.
Police were later seen engaging with the man inside the centre, where he was observed sitting on the floor with his arms behind his back. An officer was also seen holding the knife while wearing blue gloves.
“There’s a gentleman outside the Coles supermarket with headphones on that was pacing up and down near the escalators with a knife,” local shopper Lou told 3AW.
“The police have arrived, I think there’s four police cars in attendance. When I left, the police had already arrived and should have him by now.
“It looked like a butcher’s boning knife, about eight inches long.”
Victoria Police confirmed to The Nightly that officers were called to reports of a man carrying a weapon at the Canterbury Road complex shortly before midday.
“Officers were called to reports the man was carrying the weapon at the Canterbury Road complex about 11.50am,” a police spokesperson said.
“There were no threats made with the weapon and no injuries. Police attended and arrested the 30-year-old Box Hill man without incident.
“He was transported to hospital for assessment and is expected to be interviewed.”
Despite the alarming scenes, police say no injuries were reported.
Commenters were quick to attack the Victorian Government.
“And this is why u don’t let my 12 yo go to shopping centres solo! He thinks I’m too strict- grateful for the footage to back my argument,” one person wrote.
“Yep. Just as natural as taking a stroll through the Park these days. Forget the Government having control on things either. Good thing there’s an Election coming up where the people can have a say,” another wrote on Instagram.
“Melbourne… once the greatest city in the world,” a third said.
