Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident that took place in the Melbourne CBD this afternoon.

It is believed police were in pursuit of a vehicle in the CBD when the vehicle deliberately struck a number of pedestrians in the vicinity of Bourke and Queens Streets at approximately 1.30pm.

Police shot the man who was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he received bullet wounds.

He was taken into custody where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The incident is not terrorism related.

Police understand the incident is linked to a stabbing that took place in Windsor early this morning (20 January) involving parties known to one another.

Following this incident, it is alleged the same man took a woman, who is known to him, hostage in his car. She managed to escape from the car on the Bolte Bridge earlier today.

Three people have been confirmed deceased with more than 20 people injured.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified however police can confirm one of the deceased is a young child.

Police and emergency services remain on the scene and request that people avoid the area.

Police have blocked the Bourke Street between William Street and Swanston Streets including the Bourke Street Mall.

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Update: At this stage it is believed a man driving a vehicle has struck a number of pedestrians in Bourke and Queens St just before 2pm. A man has been arrested following an incident in the CBD this afternoon.

Victoria Police can confirm today's Melbourne CBD incident is not a terrorist incident. To clarify, the term CT stands for Counter Terrorism

Anyone who witnessed the event or who has information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Read more - http://s.ctx.ly/r/ytet 

If you have any footage of the Melbourne CBD incident that occurred on Bourke Street Mall today, please upload via http://upload.vicpolicenews.com.au 

Victims and witnesses requiring support should call the Victim's Support Helpline on 1800 819 817

http://Emergency services are assisting multiple patients but at least one person has been confirmed deceased.

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