Three people have died and up to 20 are injured after a car struck pedestrians in central Melbourne, emergency services have confirmed.

Some of those being treated have serious injuries, Ambulance Victoria said, reports the BBC.

A man has been arrested and “the situation is now contained”, police said.

The incident happened at a busy intersection, Bourke Street and Queen St, just before 14:00 (3:00 am GMT).

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and we will provide further information when it comes to hand,” police said.

Police requested that people avoid the area.

The Australian Open tennis event, being played about 2km (1.2 miles) away, was unaffected, police said.

BDST: 1209 HRS, JAN 20, 2017
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