SYDNEY - Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said Thursday that they had intercepted two cars in Sydney's southwest after receiving information that "a violent act was possibly being planned".

"Police intercepted two cars as part of the investigation," NSW police said, adding, "as investigations continue, seven men are assisting police with their inquiries."

Footage from the scene showed the handcuffed men face down on the ground, while later they were seen sitting on the floor facing a fence as heavily armed police and riot squad officers stood behind them.

"Police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack," the statement read.

READ MORE: PM: Australia to examine intelligence systems after Bondi Beach shooting

Sixteen people, including one alleged gunman, were killed in a mass shooting that targeted an event celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night.