Seven men are continuing to assist police with inquiries after heavily armed officers intercepted two vehicles in Sydney’s south-west on Thursday, amid intelligence suggesting a possible “violent act” was being planned.

The dramatic operation unfolded late Thursday afternoon, just days after a terror attack at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives.

NSW Police say the men had travelled to Sydney from Victoria and were stopped as part of a highly sensitive counter-terrorism investigation.

Bystander footage shows tactical police intercepting a navy-coloured Toyota with Victorian registration plates, which was rammed by undercover vehicles before officers pulled at least one man from the car at gunpoint in an alleyway.

Officers can be heard shouting commands as a loud siren sounds nearby.

VicRoads records show the Toyota’s registration has since been cancelled or suspended.

Around the same time, a second vehicle – a white Hyundai i30 – was intercepted at the intersection of George and Campbell streets in Liverpool. Witnesses reported seeing the car rammed by a police LandCruiser before at least five men were dragged from the vehicle and handcuffed on the footpath.

The incident took place near a primary school and a medical centre, which were reportedly placed into lockdown along with surrounding businesses.

NSW Police confirmed the operation had concluded later on Thursday night, saying officers had acted on information that raised serious concerns.

“Tactical Operations police responded to information received that a violent act was possibly being planned,” a police spokesperson said.

“Police subsequently intercepted two cars as part of the investigation.

“As investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries.

“At this point in time, police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack.”

Deputy NSW Police Commissioner Dave Hudson said Commonwealth detention orders were used to keep the men in custody overnight while inquiries continue.

“I can assure you that the matter is very much under control,’’ he told 2GB radio.

“The investigation is ongoing. What happened yesterday, we received information which caused us significant concern in relation to a possible violent act that could have been committed, and we decided to interdict at the earliest opportunity.”

Deputy Commissioner Hudson acknowledged the confronting nature of the footage circulating online but defended police actions.

“I realise that the vision people have seen might seem confronting, but I can assure you, from the information we had at hand, what we did, the strategies and tactics we utilised yesterday are the most appropriate and the safest, not just for police and there’s suspects involved, but also for members of the public.”

He said police have a “very low” tolerance for risk when credible intelligence suggests a crime may be imminent.

Deputy Commissioner Hudson confirmed the men had driven from Victoria and said Bondi Beach was one of the locations of concern.

“I think there was a suspicion. There was information received that Bondi may have been one of the locations they were travelling to that did cause us some concern, obviously, and that was one of the escalating factors that caused the interdiction yesterday,” he said.

“But I can confirm no firearms or weapons were located at a vehicle stop, so I think that supported decision to go early, before any potential weapons could be obtained by this crew.”

Only essential representatives from NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO were involved in the operation.

While authorities have not confirmed the precise reason for the intercepts, NewsWire reported police were acting on intelligence provided by ASIO.

A witness described the scene as deeply unsettling.

“It was frightening to see so many police with huge weapons in the area, especially after what had happened in Bondi,” they said.

“This is not something you see every day but it’s even more chilling right now. When will it end.”

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said further raids are expected in the coming days as investigations into the Bondi terror attack continue.

“In the coming days, the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team will execute further search warrants to support our investigation,” she said.

NSW Police has said there is no further threat to the community, with a press conference expected later on Friday.

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