Arrest after threats with 'nunchucks' at MP's office

Man arrested after allegedly making threats with 'nunchucks' at MP's office

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A man has been arrested for allegedly making threats while armed with 'nunchucks' at a state electorate office in Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the office of state MP Hannah Beazley in the inner-Perth suburb of Victoria Park.

According to police, a man was making verbal threats while in possession of what has been described as nunchucks. Officers later found a 56-year-old man in the nearby suburb of Bentley, and said he was assisting them with their inquiries.

No one was injured in the incident, police said. Ms Beazley said she was aware of what had unfolded and her staff were understandably shaken. Her focus was on the welfare of her staff after the incident.

The incident comes days after federal member for Indi Helen Haines was struck by a four-wheel-drive vehicle outside her electorate office in northern Victoria on Monday afternoon. Police allege Brendan Nugent, 43, deliberately drove the vehicle into Dr Haines, who remained in critical condition in hospital on Wednesday after both her legs were amputated.

Ms Beazley said her office staff were faced with a confronting situation when a member of the public entered the office armed with a weapon. She said her focus right now was on the welfare of her staff members and that everyone has the right to go about their lives free from the fear of violence.

The incident has raised concerns about politicians' security, particularly in the wake of the alleged attack on Helen Haines. Ms Beazley said she was a highly accessible member of parliament and did not want to see that change.