Australian anti-terror police intercepted two vehicles near Sydney on Thursday after receiving a tip-off that a group of men may have been plotting a violent attack, New South Wales Police said.

An unmarked police LandCruiser carrying tactical officers rammed a white Hyundai hatchback in Liverpool, around 30 kilometres south-west of central Sydney. Footage circulated online showed several men handcuffed and lying injured on the pavement as armed officers secured the scene.

Police said the men were travelling from Melbourne in the direction of Bondi Beach. Officers are understood to have fired non-lethal beanbag rounds during the stop. A second vehicle was also intercepted nearby.

Seven men are now being questioned as part of the investigation. Police said no direct link has been established between the incident and last weekend’s terror attack at Bondi Beach.

That attack killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event and injured dozens more. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said it appeared to be inspired by Islamic State ideology.