Motorist 'Deliberately' Rams Pedestrians on Bustling Australia Street, Injuring at Least 19: Cops

At least 19 people have been injured in Australia after a motorist rammed pedestrians on one of the busiest streets in Melbourne.

The chaos broke out on Flinders Street on Thursday afternoon when officials say an SUV tore through a crowd of pedestrians as they crossed the street at about 4:45 p.m. local time.

A preschool aged child was among the injured, according to reports.

The driver has been arrested for what police have called a "deliberate act." 

However, in a press conference held following the attack, Victoria State Police said they were still working to determine the motive but there was no evidence to suggest it was an act of terrorism.

The suspect has been identified as a 32-year-old Australian man of Afghan descent. 

An off-duty police officer arrested the suspect shortly after the attack. According to Australian media, the officer has been singled out as a hero of the day for managing to make the arrest despite injuries he sustained.

The officer has not been named publicly and is receiving treatment for his injuries in a hospital.

Police said the suspect was previously known to them and has a history of mental illness and drug abuse.

Video taken at the scene appears to show a man being dragged from the vehicle by police. A second man was arrested following the incident but was soon released when police determined he was not connected with the attack.

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