Melbourne stabbing: Fitzroy man charged after Essendon man stabbed in Moonee Ponds, ‘Alluh Akbar’ screamed

A man who was seen repeatedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” outside a Melbourne shopping centre after a stabbing incident has been charged by police and referred to the counter terrorism squad.

The 55-year-old Essendon man allegedly got into an argument on the street outside the Moonee Ponds shopping precinct on Monday, before drawing a knife and stabbing a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a 44-year-old man from Fitzroy, was rushed to hospital, where he was treated for stab wounds to his neck and chest.

Video of the incident was obtained by 7NEWS and showed the man screaming “alluh akbar” repeatedly as he was restrained on the ground.

Bystanders performed a citizen’s arrest on the man after the alleged stabbing, before police arrived and took the man into custody.

“The 55-year-old Fitzroy man was taken into custody and has since been charged with recklessly cause injury, intentionally cause injury and assault with a weapon,” a Victorian Police spokesperson said.

Acting Inspector Raj Tillekeratne said the alleged stabber used the phrase “Allahu Akbar” after the stabbing, not during.

“As part of our normal enquiries we have contacted the counterterrorism command and we have nothing to indicate that this is either religiously or politically motivated,” he said.

Police said the man had “significant” mental health priors and that police were aware of the man’s past offences.

“Obviously he was agitated, so I reckon his mental health would have played a big part, but I just want to reassure the community that we believe this is random and isolated,” he added.

The man has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).