Melbourne crash driver 'has no links to terrorism', say police

A man who drove a car into a crowd in Melbourne has no known links to terrorism, say police in Australia.

He is a drug user with mental health issue, and an Australian citizen of Afghan descent.

The 32-year-old hit a number of pedestrians on Flinders Street, a busy junction in the centre of the city.

A total of 14 people were injured, and a number remain in critical condition.

The driver was arrested by an off duty police officer after a struggle at the scene. WIC News understands the officer sustained injuries during the arrest.

The suspect was the only person in the car, and he has been taken to hospital.

"It is now believed he had no links to the incident, however he is still assisting police with enquiries," they said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Twitter that the investigations had begun, and sent "thoughts and prayers" to those affected.

The leader of the Australian opposition, Bill Shorten, praised the emergency services.

The incident occurred just after 4.30pm local time.

At the start of 2017 six people were killed when a car was driven into pedestrians in another incident no related to terrorism.

The city’s authorities began installing concrete blocks soon afterwards in an effort to prevent incidents like this occurring.