Trams Are Currently Not Running Down Swanston and Bourke Streets Due to a Police Incident

If you're about to head out of (or into) the CBD, read this first. Victoria Police is currently responding to an incident on Bourke Street, just near where it intersects with Swanston. It is advising Melburnians to avoid the area.

Naturally, this has affected traffic in the CBD, and Yarra Trams has advised that trams are currently not running down Swanston and Bourke streets. Specifically, Bourke Street trams 86 and 96 will be diverting at Melbourne Museum in Carlton and Spencer Street at the south end of the city. Swanston Street routes are being diverted at Collins Street and Melbourne Central. It seems that Elizabeth Street trams are still running, and Metro trains has confirmed on Twitter that trains are operating as normal.

Witnesses have reported seeing a car on fire and news outlets, including The Age, have reported that the driver, who was armed with a knife, was then shot by police.

Chaos in #bourkest as a guy seems to have set his car on fire then attacked police with a knife. Police response was swift and overwhelming. I heard at least one gunshot initially. pic.twitter.com/j5BB8VVehI

— Meegan May (@meegslouise) November 9, 2018

It's expected that the trams will be down for the rest of the evening. Avoid the area if possible and keep checking Yarra Trams and Victoria Police for more details.