No sign of terrorist link in vehicle attack - police

SYDNEY (AP):

Australian police say that the driver of a vehicle that rammed into pedestrians in Melbourne is an Australian citizen of Afghan decent who has a known history of drug use and mental health issues.

Police said at a news conference late yesterday that there was no evidence or intelligence to indicate that the incident was connected to terrorism, but they believe the act was deliberate. They said counter-terror officials would remain involved in the investigation to be sure there was no connection.

Police said the 32-year-old driver was known to state police on "historical assault matters".

Police said yesterday's incident on a busy city street left 19 people injured.