Roads in the vicinity of Anzac Parade and Parkes Way were closed for several hours today as police negotiated with a man who was sitting in the middle of Anzac Parade next to several containers of petrol and threatening to set himself alight.
Police took the man peacefully into custody mid-afternoon and said there was no threat to public safety.
The man, who The RiotACT has chosen not to identify, wrote on social media earlier today that he was “launching my public hunger strike” and “guarding my right to protest with petrol”.
Officer in Charge of City Station, Station Sergeant Jason Kennedy, said ACT Policing responded to a report of the man sitting in the middle of Anzac Parade at 10 am this morning and “threatening to set himself alight”.
“ACT Policing along with the ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Ambulance secured the area to ensure public safety,” Station Sergeant Kennedy said.
“After a period of negotiation with police the male peacefully surrendered and there is no harm to public safety.”
There were major traffic delays throughout the day with motorists urged to avoid roadblock points at Kings Avenue/Parkes Way, Coranderrk Street/Constitution Avenue, Constitution Ave/Creswell Street and Anzac Parade/Blamey Crescent.
If you or anyone you know needs help please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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