Melbourne Express: Thursday, July 5, 2018

8:09am

Do you recognise these cars?

Victoria Police are appealing for public help to identify two cars possibly involved in a drive-by shooting in Rowville earlier this year.

Several shots were fired into a Providence Place home just after 1am on March 3. Detectives have been told the man who fired the shots was travelling with up to five others in a stolen white Mazda van which was later found burnt out.

Five people were inside the house during the attack but nobody was hurt.

A white Mitsubishi Lancer and a black Mitsubishi Triton ute were seen driving in convoy and possibly scouting out the home minutes before the shooting. Police have released CCTV images in hope someone will recognise the cars.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

8:04am

Target word check in

So many people have already got the Target word. Clever Expresser Rachel Montgomery was first in though, making it her second win.

If you haven't got it or were asleep when I posted it (both fair), here's the puzzle.

Yesterday's word was NARRATING.

7:49am

Cartoon of the day

Here's Cathy Wilcox on the ABC being denied access to Nauru.

7:42am

Another pedestrian hit

In what's turning out to be a nightmare morning on our roads, we've just heard a second pedestrian has been hit by a car, this time in Cheltenham. Earlier, a man in his 70s was hit near Grange Road in Alphington and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

Here's Simone Fox Koob with the details: Another pedestrian has been hit by a car this morning and is in a critical condition after a crash in Cheltenham.
Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were called to Kingston Road and Warragul Road in Cheltenham just after 7am.
The man in his 40s was taken by road ambulance to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition with upper body and head injuries.

7:35am

Foggy flights update

Heavy fog in Sydney is messing with many Melburnian mornings.

Breaking news reporter Simone Fox Koob has an update: If you're flying to Sydney this morning, it's worth checking the status of your flight before heading to the airport - all airlines have been affected by thick fog at Sydney airport. "Qantas like all other airlines, has been impacted by low-lying fog in Sydney,' a spokeswoman said.

Earlier, passengers on a long haul flight from London to Sydney were forced to stop in Melbourne due to the fog, but it's understood those customers should be on a connecting flight shortly.

7:28am

Odd spot

Lighting from cars, buildings and streetlights is keeping toads up at night and stunting their growth. US ecologist Dr Michael Benard said toads exposed to light for 24 hours a day never had a moment to rest. They were "always out there, always moving...burning more energy and growing less," he said.

7:18am

Flinders Street kiosks to close

We've heard this morning that the fast-food kiosks on Flinders Street Station platforms are being given the boot in a station overhaul.

Do you have fond memories of midnight dim sims or are you not fussed if the kiosks go? Here's Simone Fox Koob with more detail: Most of the fast-food kiosks dotted along the platforms at Flinders Street Station are set to go and be replaced with vending machines as the station gets a multi-million dollar upgrade.
A Public Transport Victoria spokesman confirmed the kiosks were being removed, except the Platform 1 kiosk, which is heritage protected.
"The $100 million investment to repair and refresh the iconic Flinders Street Station includes creating more platform space for better passenger flow and comfort," a PTV spokesman said.

7:10am

Commute update

Earlier I posted the sad news that a pedestrian was in a critical condition after being hit by a car in Alphington. The police operation at the scene is now affecting traffic in Alphington and Fairfield with Grange Road closed in both directions between Separation Street and Heidelberg Road. The closure is expected to stay in place through peak-hour. VicRoads is saying drivers can use Station Street or Victoria Road to get around it.
Melbourne Express reader Bryan has kindly let us know that the Frankston line has started moving again after delays due to a signal fault.
There are minor delays on the Belgrave, Frankston and Lilydale train lines.
Buses are replacing trains on the Altona Loop.

7:02am

Target word time

Ready to think? It's time for today's Target word.

The nine letters to unscramble are G R B M U I G N L.

Let me know once you've solved it.

6:57am

Man critical after hit by car in Alphington

A poor pedestrian has been hit by a car in Alphington this morning.

Our breaking news reporter Simone Fox Koob has more: A man is in a critical condition after he was hit by a car in Melbourne's north-east.
Paramedics were called to Grange Road at Wingrove Street in Alphington at 6.25am.
The pedestrian aged in his 70s sustained injuries to his abdominal region, according to Ambulance Victoria, and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The driver is being assessed at the scene for shock but has no obvious injuries.