'Suspicious packages' at Australia consulates

Suspicious packages have sparked a major emergency response and evacuation of some foreign consulates across Melbourne.

Diplomatic offices for countries including Germany, Italy, India, Spain and Korea were among those attended by police, fire crews and ambulance officers on Wednesday afternoon.

"Police and emergency services have responded to suspicious packages delivered to embassies in Melbourne," an Australian Federal Police statement said.

"The packages are being examined by attending emergency services. The circumstances surrounding these incidents are being investigated."

Two fire trucks, a hazardous materials vehicle and police cars attended the Consulate-General of India on St Kilda Rd where staff sat outside the building, telling reporters they had been evacuated and told not to comment to reporters.

The Vic Emergency website lists more than 10 "hazardous material" events occurring across Melbourne, which began unfolding from about 1pm (local time).

Addresses for the events include Market St, Bourke St, Middleton Ln, William St, and St Kilda Rd in Melbourne, Elgin St at Carlton, and Yertchuk Ave at Ashwood. Each location matches the address of a consulate.

Emergency workers wearing chemical suits were seen entering some of the buildings.

Some of the events have subsequently been listed as "safe" and "under control".

 

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