Momena Shoma charged with engaging in a terrorist act after Mill Park stabbing

A WOMAN has been charged with engaging in a terrorist act after she allegedly stabbed a man in Melbourne in an incident police say is “Islamic State-inspired”.

COUNTER-terrorism police say a stabbing in Melbourne’s north was an Islamic State-inspired attack.

Police say Bangladeshi woman Momena Shoma, 24, who travelled to Melbourne on a student visa on February 1, is accused of stabbing a 56-year-old man as he slept at 4.25pm.

POLICE SEIZE EX-SOUTH SUDANESE GENERAL’S NARRE MANSION

NATIONWIDE MANHUNT FOR ACCUSED MURDERER ENDS

She was arrested at the scene, on Callistemon Rise, and taken to hospital with a minor hand injury.

The victim’s young child, who was present at the time, was not hurt.

The victim will undergo surgery today for injuries police say are not life-threatening.

The woman has been charged by the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which is made up of officers from the Australian Federal Police, ASIO and Victoria Police.

She is facing one count of engaging in a terrorist act under the Commonwealth Crimes Act Section 101.1 and is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

AFP acting Deputy Commissioner, National Security, Ian McCartney emphasised there were no subsequent threats to the community.

“We will allege this was a stand-alone, Islamic State-inspired attack, designed to cause harm to our community,” acting Deputy Commissioner McCartney said.

Victoria Police acting Deputy Commissioner Ross Guenther said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation.

“This is an isolated incident and the community can be assured that Victoria Police is doing everything we can to keep the community safe,” he said.

“The community can expect to see an increased police presence at a number of events today and at major events in the coming weeks.

“We urge people to report any suspicious activity to triple zero (000), Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.”

MORE TO COME.