[The Melbourne Anglican, by Mark Brolly] A State Memorial Service is expected to be announced soon after a rampage by a driver in Melbourne’s Central Business District left five people dead and more than 30 people injured last Friday (20 January).

The tragic events occurred in part near St Paul’s Cathedral, at the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, about 1.30 pm [AEDT, 2.30 am GMT] that Friday but the fatalities and injuries occurred in Bourke Street minutes later.

They followed the announcement four weeks earlier that a planned terrorist attack on St Paul’s, Federation Square and Flinders Street Station on Christmas Day had been averted.

Archbishop Philip Freier, who is on leave, said on Facebook and Twitter that what had occurred on 20 January had been appalling, with “lives callously taken away, many injured”.

“Prayers and condolences to all those who have been affected,” Dr Freier posted.

• Read Mark Brolly’s full in-depth report on The Melbourne Anglican website.