Man arrested after security scare at Victorian state parliament

A man allegedly tried to grab a gun from a guard on the steps of Victoria's Parliament House today.

The man was walking up the steps when two Protective Services Officers became concerned about his conduct and approached him.

Police allege the 31-year-old then grappled with one of the officers, but the PSO kept his weapon away from the man.

The man has been taken to hospital for assessment.

“I think it highlights the need to make sure our PSOs and police officers are fully and properly trained and have the equipment they need to keep the community safe,” Premier Denis Napthine said.

Victorian Parliament released a statement following the incident.

“The action of the Protective Services Officers ensured the incident was resolved quickly," it said.

“These measures are important in ensuring the safety of all who work at and visit Parliament House.”

Security measures have been increased in recent weeks following the boosting of Australia’s terror threat levels and the attack on Canada’s Parliament.

The incident is eerily similar to the December 2012 attack that saw a Protective Services Officer suffer a fractured skull after being struck with a hammer.

Authorities do not believe today’s incident was terrorism related.