Court documents are expected to reveal that this morning’s terror raids thwarted an alleged plot to snatch a random member of the public from the streets of Sydney, drape them in an Islamic State flag and behead them on camera.

Police told the media this morning their massive terror raid in Sydney and Brisbane uncovered the alleged terrorist plot to harm a random member of the public.

More than 800 police have executed over 25 search warrants during the largest anti-terrorism operation in Australian history.

Terror raids – the numbers

• 15 people detained
• One charged
• More than 800 police in two states
• 25 warrants executed (by 9.30 am)

According to acting Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin, 15 people have been detained in the raids and one person was charged with serious terrorism offences.

Photo: Twitter user @tomforbes72

Mr Colvin said that police believe the group involved in the raids had the intention to commit violent acts in Australia.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the nature of the threat will become apparent when the suspect appears in court later today.

“What we can indicate is that the violence was to be perpetrated on a member of the public on the streets and it was at a very high level,” Mr Scipione said.

“We have a person that’s about to appear in court, so we need to let that information come out and it will be very apparent when that comes out.”

AFP sniffer dogs searching Mt Gravatt home, part of anti-terror raids across Bris & Syd.Forensics inside @tennewsqld pic.twitter.com/fu9SEPmdvi

— Sarah Greenhalgh (@GreenhalghSarah) September 17, 2014

Police revealed the investigation had commenced earlier this year and experts felt that now was the right time to act. “Today’s operation reflects the reality of the threat we actually face,” Mr Scipione said. “Can I stress that right now is a time for a calm. We don’t need to whip this up, we need to let peope know they are safe. From our perspective we know the work this morning will ensure that all those plans that may have been on foot have been thwarted.“ Mr Scipione added that at least one weapon had been seized in the search of cars and homes.

NEW INFORMATION: on terror raids next on @mornings9 live from the scene in Guildford. pic.twitter.com/gA2kNYS06I — Chris Urquhart (@chrisurquhart) September 17, 2014

– with ABC