Live breaking news: Three men arrested in Melbourne after counter-terrorism operation

Three men, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested in Melbourne as part of a major counter-terrorism operation in Victoria.

Three men, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested in Melbourne as part of a major counter-terrorism operation in Victoria.

Victoria Police have confirmed three men were arrested in Melbourne including a 19-year-old who attempted to engage in a terrorist act.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Hermans told reporters the arrests of three men are believed to be linked to Islamic extremism.

He said a 16-year-old had been released and Victoria Police would continue to engage with the man, offer him support, and hopefully divert him away from the activity that saw him come to police attention.

Two other men aged 19 and 20, are facing possible charges of attempted terrorism or acts in preparation of terrorism, which have significant penalties including life in prison.

Two incidents are being investigated, including a fire that was started in bushland on February 8 about 30 minutes from the Melbourne suburb of Epping, and an assault that happened in metropolitan Melbourne on March 10.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said certain aspects of the lighting of the fire had led police to suspect there was a terrorist motivation.

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