Australian police release major update in Bondi Beach attack probe after investigating gunmen's 'Isis links'

No evidence has been found that the pair were part of a "broader terrorist cell," Krissy Barrett, the Australian Federal Police commissioner, confirmed.

The father and son spent most of November in Mindanao in the Philippines, returning on November 29, two weeks before they are alleged to have shot down locals at Hannakuh celebrations.

Ms Barrett stated that, contrary to reports, there was no indication that the men had "received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack" on their trip.

Ms Barrett did not provide a motive for the visit, which began on November 1.

She said: "These individuals are alleged to have acted alone. There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed ⁠by others to carry out an attack."

According to police in the Philippines, the pair rarely left their hotel during their trip, though Ms Barrett said: "I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism."

Ms Barrett said the findings were preliminary, and authorities in both Australia and the Philippines were continuing their investigation.

Police allege the pair were inspired by the Islamic State.

The Philippines used to attract small numbers of foreign militants, often aligned with the Islamic State or Al-Qaeda, to train in a secessionist conflict involving minority Muslims in the largely Catholic nation.

Sajid was shot and killed by police during the attack, while Naveed, who has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, woke up from a coma two days after the December 14 attack.

He is yet to enter pleas, and Ms Barrett said she was limited with the information she could disclose as she did not want to influence his trial.

The massacre was Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996, when they responded by introducing much stricter gun laws.

Similarly, Australia has now fast-tracked laws to limit the number of guns one person can own and greater police powers for protests.

Police have also promised to deploy officers "in massive numbers" on New Year's Eve, where an estimated 2,500 will be on duty.

Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales (NSW), urged the public to continue their New Year's Eve plans, stating: "We have to show defiance by going out and spending time with family and friends over the New Year period.

"Because of the weird ideology of some of these terrorists, what they want is for us to crawl up into a ball and not have fun with our family and friends.

"I'm calling on the people of Sydney to step out, to do what you would ordinarily do, to thumb your nose at the terrorists."

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