AUSTRALIAN Federal Police have conducted multiple counterterrorism raids across Melbourne this morning after allegations a number of men were planning attacks.

The Herald Sun understands six raids across the south eastern suburbs commenced around 4am as part of Operation Rising.

LIVE COVERAGE: All our rolling reports on this developing story here

Police were reportedly been advised to be extra vigilant.

The raids resulted the arrest of five men, including a 18-year-old Hallam man and an 18-year-old Hampton Park man who were allegedly ‘’undertaking preparations for planning a terrorist act in Australia, which included targeting police officers’’.

A third man, an 18-year-old from Narre Warren, has also been arrested in relation to weapons offences.

According to a police statement, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old both from Narre Warren, are also in custody ..

Victoria Police and the AFP are expected to release more information at a 10am briefing

Searches are continuing at properties in the area and police say investigations are ongoing.

Do you know more? contact 03 9292 1226 or email news@heraldsun.com.au

More to come.