Laura Michell
A 19-year-old Epping man has been arrested in relation to suspected terrorism offences.
A 20-year-old Epping man and a 16-year-old Pascoe Vale youth were also arrested following a Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) operation this morning.
Officers from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and other agencies executed two warrants in Epping and Pascoe Vale.
Police allege that the 19-year-old man attempted to engage in a terrorist act.
He is being interviewed by police.
The 20-year-old man also remains in custody while the 16-year-old youth was released pending further inquiries.
The operation is ongoing, however at this time police do not anticipate further arrests.
Furthermore, the arrests are not linked to any previous operational activity.
Victoria Police said it would like to reassure the community that it continues to work collaboratively with JCTT partners to ensure the safety of all Victorians.
“Victoria has well tested, cooperative, counter terrorism and emergency management plans in place and constantly monitor and assess our preparedness to respond to a range of emergencies,” police said in a statement.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should contact triple-0, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the National Security Hotline on 1800 1234 00.
