An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said their diplomatic protection unit received a request for assistance from the Russian consulate today after a car was deliberately parked in front of the consulate's entrance without authorization.

According to New South Wales police, officers arrived at the scene around 8 a.m. and attempted to speak with the driver, but were unsuccessful. The driver then drove the car into the gate of the Russian consulate in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.

A witness saw the car crash into the gate after the driver was asked to exit the vehicle. "Police kept asking him to get out. The man refused to leave the car. They had to draw their guns," the witness said.

Footage from the scene broadcast on Sky News and Nine shows a white SUV with broken windows left next to a flagpole inside the Russian consulate compound. Police said a 39-year-old man was arrested and a 24-year-old officer suffered a hand injury following the incident.

Those with visa appointments on 1/9 said the consulate closed briefly before reopening. "There is no current or imminent threat to the consulate or the local community," police said. The motive for the incident remains unclear.

Vu Hoang (Reuters)