Man Arrested After Bomb Scare Near St Kilda East Schools

Police arrested a 45-year-old man following a bomb scare near two schools in St Kilda East, Melbourne.

Incident Details

Authorities were dispatched to Dandenong Road around 2:45 PM after reports of a man with a backpack making threats.

Emergency Response

The bomb response unit assessed the man's backpack and confirmed no suspicious devices were present. As a precautionary measure, St Mary's Primary School and an unnamed secondary school nearby were placed into lockdown.

Apprehension and Investigation

The man was apprehended on Westbury Street and is scheduled for an interview. Police stated that they do not believe the incident was motivated by religious or ideological factors.

School Actions Confirmed

A spokesperson for St Mary's Primary School confirmed that appropriate precautions were taken, and students continued their lessons, being dismissed at the usual time of 3:30 PM. The alleged offender did not enter the primary school grounds.