Police say they arrested seven suspects who allegedly planned a series of bomb attacks in the heart of Australia's second largest city on Christmas Day.
Victoria state Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told reporters on Friday the seven had been inspired by the Islamic State group and had planned attacks on Melbourne's Flinders Street train station, neighbouring Federation Square and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Eventually, five were detained.
Four of the five still being questioned are Australian-born of Lebanese origin.
The fifth is said to be an Egyptian-born Australian citizen.
Ashton says police had been watching the alleged plotters for some time, and believed they were preparing to use explosives and other weapons.
Police said they believed the threat had been neutralized through the raids on Thursday night and Friday morning.