AFP and Victoria Police execute major terror raids across Melbourne

The AFP and Victoria Police have foiled a major terror plot in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

The plot was expected to be carried out on Christmas Day at Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Police from the Kasselholm taskforce conducted raids at properties across Melbourne’s north including: 

• Campbellfield 
• Gladstone Park
• Dallas
• Broadmeadows

Four men have been charged over the alleged terror plot.

Among those arrested, four are of Lebanese background and one is Egyptian.

‘We believe we have neutralised the threat, it has been dealt with,’ says Police Commissioner Graham Ashton. 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has addressed the media and thanked the police force.

He says, ‘This is one of the most substantial terrorist plots that has been disrupted over the past several years.’

Premier Daniel Andrews at this morning’s press conference. 

Premier Daniel Andrews has thanked all members of the AFP and Victorian Police for their work in stopping the attack.

‘These threats are very real across our city and state.’ 

‘In this exercise, in this criminal investigation, they’ve done us proud,’ the Premier said at Friday’s press conference. 

Dougal Beatty from Nine News spoke with 3AW’s Tony Jones, he say he’s spoken to the family of one of the suspects in Gladstone Park.

‘They tell me that their brother is a bit of a keyboard warrior and he’s quite active on social media.’

‘He’s been writing a few things that might have been a bit out there in relation to Syria, they say he has been defending his religion a lot.’

Dougal says the family also describe him as ‘a bit of a geek’.

Click PLAY below to hear more from Dougal Beatty