Police have returned to one of the homes targeted by Friday's terror raids, while a fourth man accused of planning to bomb Melbourne landmarks on Christmas Day has appeared in court with a black eye.
Broadmeadow man Ibrahim Abbas, 22, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with preparing or planning a terrorist act.
More National Times Videos
- Video duration
- 01:54
Fourth Melbourne terror suspect to face ...
Fourth Melbourne terror suspect to face court
Seven people were arrested and four charged on Friday over an alleged terrorist plot in Melbourne. Police feared a multi-person, multi-weapon strike that would include random stabbings, bombings and possible suicide attacks. Vision: Channel Seven.
Up Next
Twin Christmas cyclone threat to Australia
- Video duration
- 02:20
- Video duration
- 02:20
Twin Christmas cyclone threat to Australia
Twin Christmas cyclone threat to Australia
Weather forecasters are keeping a close eye on two, deep low-pressure systems off the west and northern coasts, with at least one expected to tun into a category-2 cyclone.
Up Next
Sweeping copyright reforms proposed
- Video duration
- 02:55
- Video duration
- 02:55
Sweeping copyright reforms proposed
Sweeping copyright reforms proposed
Existing copyright laws are holding Australia back, according to the Productivity Commission. Peter Martin explains what the commission is proposing.
Up Next
Thousands avoid work to receive benefits
- Video duration
- 00:56
- Video duration
- 00:56
Thousands avoid work to receive benefits
Thousands avoid work to receive benefits
The federal government is being accused of complacency when it comes to welfare after it was revealed 35,000 Australians are avoiding work to stay on benefits. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne.
Up Next
The great Australian pastime of esky driving
- Video duration
- 01:39
- Video duration
- 01:39
The great Australian pastime of esky ...
The great Australian pastime of esky driving
A 20-year-old P-plater has lost his licence after being pulled over drunk and driving an esky in Mooroolbark on Saturday night. But he's not the first...
Up Next
What is bottle flipping?
- Video duration
- 02:13
- Video duration
- 02:13
What is bottle flipping?
What is bottle flipping?
Forget expensive gadgets and toys for the kids this Christmas... turns out recyclables are in vogue.
Up Next
Paul Keating criticises ABC
- Video duration
- 02:44
- Video duration
- 02:44
Paul Keating criticises ABC
Paul Keating criticises ABC
Former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating was asked on Friday whether he agreed with indigenous leader Noel Pearson that the ABC is a 'racist' broadcaster.
Fourth Melbourne terror suspect to face court
Seven people were arrested and four charged on Friday over an alleged terrorist plot in Melbourne. Police feared a multi-person, multi-weapon strike that would include random stabbings, bombings and possible suicide attacks. Vision: Channel Seven.
His lawyer requested her client see a doctor to treat injuries sustained during his arrest.
His brother Hamza Abbas, 21, also faced court and is in custody until April.
The brothers face the same charge of preparing for a terrorist act after police intercepted plans for a Christmas Day attack potentially using explosives, guns and knives in Federation Square and St. Paul's Cathedral. Two other men - Abdullah Chaarani, 26, of Dallas, and 24-year-old Ahmed Mohamed of Meadow Heights - have also been charged. Mr Chaarani is a cousin of the Abbas brothers.
A 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man from Meadow Heights, and 21-year-old man from Gladstone Park, were released without charge on Friday.
The 21-year-old's brother, Wassim Dabboussi, posted on Facebook today: "You pigs raid my house 10 hours assault my brothers ... take one to prison and bring the whole f---ing cop squad to my house point guns at my little f---ing brother search from 7pm to 5am and find nothing."
Wasim Dabboussi takes aim at the police over the raids.
The Abbas brothers are understood to have been on the radar of authorities, including ASIO, for about two years, after his house was raided following postings on social media.
On Saturday, police also returned to one of the houses raided the day before in Blackwood Crescent in Campbellfield, but refused to give any information about the purpose of the visit.
"We are conducting a police operation in Campbellfield. As this relates to an ongoing investigation it is not appropriate to comment further," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Earlier in the day, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews chose to hold a press conference at Federation Square overlooking Flinders Street Station and St Paul's Cathedral.
There will be a "significant increase" in police patrolling key sites in Melbourne over Christmas and New Year - despite authorities saying they have no intelligence of further terror plans.
The three landmarks had all been named as the likely targets of the alleged plot.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the location of the press conference was significant, displaying the authorities' confidence that the terror threat "had been contained".
"This is the centre of our city and I'm always proud to stand here. But I think Victorians can be reassured [due to the] work of Victoria Police and its partners that everything has been done to keep us safe," Mr Andrews said.
"This matter is a very serious matter, no one is downplaying that – but everyone should be out and about enjoying this time of the year."
Those congregating at Federation Square on Christmas Eve appeared relaxed, even oblivious.
Shoppers laden with last-minute gifts lounged under scraps of shade and Asian families on holiday posed for photos on the cobblestones, making peace signs with their hands.
Malaysian tourist and PR executive Jui Teoh was waiting for friend on the steps near the square's information centre.
He gingerly admitted that he had no idea that Federation Square had been in the news recently, as an alleged terror target. Though he said he generally felt safe in Melbourne and Australia.
"Maybe this is a bit too local for me. You hear more about what is happening in Europe," Mr Teoh said.
"You said they arrested him, right?"
Brunswick cafe manager Juliet Hunter was sitting under a tree with friend Sean Mulraney and said Friday's news had also completely slipped her by.
Ms Hunter said if she had known she probably would have chosen another meeting spot.
"Terror threats are not something that you want to be concerned with," she said.
"You wouldn't think it would happen to you, but it does happen."
Police Commissioner Graham Ashton said there would be a significant and visible increase of police numbers during key events during the Christmas and New Year period, but would not provide further "operation details" about protections offered to landmark sites including the cathedral.
He said additional police would be called in to work overtime.
"I would describe it as a significant increase. I can't tell you the exact number for operational reasons."
"Certainly every event has an additional layer of security."
There will not be any changes to the layout of a New Years Eve celebrations in the city, a Melbourne City Council spokeswoman said.