Police arrested an ‘erratic’ man in Melbourne’s CBD in a major operation during rush hour.
Police cars barricaded several streets in Melbourne’s court district on Tuesday morning after responding to reports of a man in possession of petrol cans and ‘hazardous materials’ on William Street.
The man was arrested at about 7.45am and taken to hospital under police guard.
‘The scene has since been declared safe and there is no ongoing threat to the community,’ a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
‘We’ve seen a guy with a trolley full of tents sitting and arguing and carrying on in front of the lift. The police told us to move on,’ he told Today.
Traffic on Williams Street, between Bourke Street and Lonsdale Street, has been blocked in both directions as emergency services begin to clear the scene.
Tram services have also been diverted.
Delays are expected to continue in the CBD through the morning.
Photos show police and firefighting crews are working in the area while helicopters fly overhead.