Man arrested after major police operation shut down Melbourne's court precinct
A man has been arrested after a major police operation shut down the court precinct inMelbourne's CBD this morning.
Emergency services were called to a William St building, nearby Victoria's Supreme and County courts, after reports of a man with petrol cans and "hazardous materials" behaving erratically about 7.45am.
9News was told the man wheeled a trolley, which appeared to contain petrol cans, molotov cocktails and gas cannisters, past a cafe at the building and ordered a coffee.
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Riot police and firefighters attended the scene on William Street. Nine
The area was shutdown as police negotiated with the man. Nine
The man then allegedly took the trolley to the foyer of the building and threw bags of white powder around while yelling, "Everyone get out, it is asbestos".
He allegedly broke several tiles and put up a sign reading, 'Shoot me'.
Police locked down William Street in both directions between Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street.
Uniformed officers, riot police and firefighters attended the scene, with police negotiating with the man.
The 52-year-old Kurunjang man was arrested about 8.30am and taken to hospital for observation under police guard.
A man has been arrested after a major police operation shut down the Melbourne court precinct in the CBD. 9News
The area was locked down until police deemed it safe. 9News
Police have since said they do not believe the man had any hazardous substances on him.
It is believed the petrol cans in the trolley were filled with water.
The area has since been reopened to the public.
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