Man arrested after driving car through gates of Russian consulate in Sydney
A 39-year-old was detained after a vehicle breached the entrance of the Woollahra consulate; one police officer sustained a hand injury and inquiries are ongoing.
A man was arrested after he drove a car through the gates of the Russian consulate in Sydney on Thursday morning, New South Wales police said. Officers detained a 39-year-old at the scene after being called to the diplomatic premises in the suburb of Woollahra when an unauthorised vehicle was reported in the driveway.
Police were alerted around 08:00 local time following reports that an unauthorised vehicle had been parked in the consulate driveway. Officers attempted to speak with the driver before the vehicle allegedly forced its way through the property’s entrance gates, police said. The man was arrested at the scene and is assisting police with their inquiries.
A witness who spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald described seeing armed officers approach the vehicle and said the arrest appeared to take place without a struggle. "I just saw the policemen draw their guns at the gentleman, asking the gentleman to come out of his car," the neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, told the newspaper.
One police officer suffered an injury to his hand during the incident. Police said there were no other reports of injuries. Authorities have not released further details about the driver’s identity, any alleged motive, or whether any charges have been laid. Police said inquiries were ongoing.
The diplomatic compound is afforded protection under international law. Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the host state is obliged to protect diplomatic premises and ensure the safety of diplomatic staff. Australian federal and state agencies routinely coordinate security at foreign missions when required, and local police said they secured the scene while inquiries continued.
It was not immediately clear whether consular services or operations at the Russian consulate were disrupted by the breach. Neither the consulate nor Russian government representatives had issued a public statement early on Thursday, and New South Wales police did not provide further comment about the impact on the mission.
Incidents involving diplomatic premises are treated seriously by Australian authorities because of their international obligations and the potential for wider diplomatic consequences. Police said forensic and investigative processes were under way and that they were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the breach, including whether any offences beyond property damage related to the gating breach would be pursued.
Local residents reported an increased police presence in the Woollahra area following the incident. Neighbours described the normally quiet residential precinct as being temporarily cordoned off while officers conducted their work. Police appealed to anyone with information or footage related to the event to come forward to assist inquiries.
New South Wales police are continuing their investigation. Further details, including whether any formal charges will be filed and what, if any, diplomatic responses may follow, were not immediately available.