Melbourne stabbing an act of terror: Police

Canberra : Police in Australia on Saturday alleged that a stabbing in a Melbourne suburb a day ago was inspired by the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

Bangladeshi woman Momena Shoma was arrested at the scene on Friday after she allegedly stabbed a 56-year-old man while he was asleep, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Saturday she was charged by the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team taskforce.

The victim on Saturday underwent surgery for injuries that the police said were not life-threatening.

Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said there was no ongoing threat to the community, but "this was a stand-alone, Islamic State-inspired attack, designed to cause harm".

Shoma, who arrived in Melbourne on February 1 on a student visa, is facing one count of engaging in a terrorist act; a charge which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.