Melbourne terror suspect shot dead after repeatedly stabbing police - 9news.com.au
Victoria Police believe the terror suspect shot dead in yesterday's Melbourne police station attack had planned to behead officers and post the images online, Fairfax Media reports.
The teen, identified as Narre Warren teenager Numan Haider, used a small knife to attack two police officers and was reportedly found to be carrying a second knife and an ISIL flag when later searched.
Police reportedly suspect Mr Haider was planning to follow instructions from ISIL and behead officers, drape the flag over their bodies, and upload the images online.
The reported plan is similar to two other alleged plots in Queensland and NSW, both involving supporters of ISIL beheading a non-believer in public.
Mr Haider's Facebook page reveals photographs of himself holding an Islamic flag with abusive posts directed at the AFP and ASIO.
"Lets not put the focus on other things. The main message I'm sending with these statuses and photos is to the dogs AFP and ASIO who are declaring war on Islam and Muslims," he wrote.
Victoria Police has confirmed they first came into contact with Mr Haider three months ago.
It has also emerged that the alleged attacker had his passport revoked a week ago after authorities identified his alleged terror activities had "escalated recently".
The Narre Warren man was invited to meet the two officers at the Endeavour Hills police station on Heatherton Road in order to discuss recent "disturbing behaviour".
After travelling to the station alone, a confrontation between the man and the Joint Counter Terrorism Team officers erupted at about 7.45pm.
He was not being placed under arrest and attended of his own free will, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said.
Mr Cornelius said the 18-year-old had pulled out an "edged weapon" and attacked the officers.
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay revealed the Victoria Police officer had his wrists slashed in the alleged attack, while the AFP officer sustained stab wounds to his neck, stomach and head.
The AFP officer underwent emergency surgery at The Alfred Hospital overnight and is expected to undergo more surgery today.
The Victoria Police officer was taken to Dandenong Hospital and will go into surgery later today.
Both officers are in a serious but stable condition.
Witnesses told Fairfax Media the accused had been shouting insults about Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the federal government in the moments leading up to his death.
The prime minister released a video message from the US, where he is attending a UN Security Council meeting, saying he had spoken with the wives of the two injured officers.
"I have been briefed on a nasty incident in Melbourne overnight," Mr Abbott said.
"The suspect did mount a fierce attack on both officers, one of them was very seriously hurt.
"The other officer fired on the suspect who is now dead."
Mr Abbott also said the officers had acted "professionally" in the line of duty.
"Obviously this indicates there are people in our community who are capable of very extreme acts," he said.
"It also indicates that the police will be constantly vigilant to protect us against people who will do us harm."
Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss echoed Mr Abbott's message in parliament today.
"Violence against police in any form will never be tolerated." he said.
After the shooting a police bomb-disposal unit was called to the scene, inspecting the man's car and the police station.
While the man had not made bomb threats against police, an AFP spokesman said police would go to "exceptional lengths" to ensure the scene was safe.
However, police said it appeared to be an isolated incident and the man had acted alone.
It is estimated about 60 Australians are fighting overseas for terror groups in Iraq and Syria, with an estimated support network of about 100 more Australians living at home.
Last week, hundreds of Australian police executed 30 search warrants to dismantle an alleged ISIL plot to abduct and behead everyday citizens.
Australia's terror alert level has been raised this month after intelligence agencies captured chatter pointing to a domestic attack.
