Security breach at Government House in Melbourne

UPDATE: A SHIRTLESS man arrested on the roof of Government House managed to get inside the secure building before being apprehended. The breach has sparked a security review.

AN INTRUDER arrested on the roof of Government House managed to get inside the secure building before being apprehended.

An investigation is underway to determine how the major security breach occurred.

Victoria Police Comander Sharon Cowden confirmed staff were inside the building when the man was spotted by security officials about 7.45am.

She said it was unclear how he got into the building or what direction he came from.

“There are no indications exactly where he has gone but the private residence is quite secure,” Commander Cowden said.

Emergency services on the roof with the man. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A ladder placed on the roof. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The man was carried down on a stretcher. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Emergency services arrive on scene at Government House. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A heavy rescue crew arrives. Picture: Nicole Garmston

#BREAKING: There are reports a man has tried to break into Government House. #9News pic.twitter.com/sZ4viGoeof

— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) April 30, 2017

Government House, located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, is home to Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau.

She was not in the building at the time and is due back from an official overseas visit at the end of the week, a governor’s spokeswoman said.

Commander Cowden said the man was unarmed and appeared affected by drugs or alcohol.

He attempted to run from police after being cornered on the roof, but was swiftly apprehended before 8am.

Aerial footage shows three officers holding down the shirtless man who was eventually lowered down from the roof and taken away in an ambulance several hours later.

“He tried to get away pretty quickly but police grabbed him and arrested him,” Commander Cowden said.

He suffered minor injuries and has been taken to hospital for medical assessment.

The government building is enclosed by security and barbed wire fencing.

Asked if the intrusion indicated security flaws at the site, Commander Cowden said: “I haven’t examined the situation but the debrief we had today identified the protocols and quick identification and arrest worked really well.”

It’s unclear if the government will undertake its own security investigation as a result of the breach.

Premier Daniel Andrews said how the man ended up on the roof would be investigated.

He flagged tomorrow’s State Budget would contain an $11.5 million security upgrade for important government building, including Government House.

“This Governor runs one of the most open government houses we’ve seen for a long time, there are always people visiting, and it needs to be the safest precinct possible,” he said.

“The same goes for other important government buildings.”

Mr Andrews said the perimeter fence of Government House would be upgraded.