Indian consulate in Melbourne evacuated after suspicious package found
A major operation is underway after packages were delivered to at least 14 international consulates across Melbourne.
Suspicious packages were found on Wednesday at several diplomatic missions in Melbourne, including the Indian Consulate, prompting Australian authorities to launch a major emergency response.
Police in Australia said they are investigating at least 14 suspicious packages sent to embassies and consulates, which media reports and other officials said included the US and British missions, in the cities of Melbourne and Canberra.
Firefighters and Ambulance Victoria paramedics were attending the Indian Consulate and US Consulate on St Kilda Road. A Reuters report said the Indian Consulate was evacuated by the emergency staff.
"Police and emergency services have responded to suspicious packages to embassies and consulates... The packages are being examined by attending emergency services. The circumstances are being investigated," Australian Federal Police tweeted.
There were no immediate reports of any harm to staff.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) said it was assisting the Australian Federal Police at a number of incidents at embassies across Melbourne.
The United Kingdom Consulate, located on Collins Street, along with the Korean Consulate (St Kilda Road), German Consulate (Queen Street), Italian Consulate (St Kilda Road), Swiss Consulate (Ashwood), Pakistan Consulate (Cardigan Place), Greek Consulate (Albert Road) and the Indonesian Consulate (Queens Road) are also believed to have been affected.
Emergency workers wearing chemical suits were seen entering some of the buildings. More than a dozen hazardous material alerts have been issued on the VicEmergency website.
The developing situation comes just two days after a "suspicious" white powder was found at the Argentinian Consulate in Sydney.
(With PTI inputs)