Bomb threats made to nine National Australia Bank branches in Queensland

The nationwide closure of National Australia Bank branches was sparked after bomb threats to nine Queensland branches, including four in Brisbane. SEE THE FULL LIST

All National Australia Bank (NAB) branches across the country have been forced to close, after bomb threats were made to nine Queensland branches.

Stores across Australia were closed as a precaution after the threats were made to Brisbane and regional branches across the state.

In a statement, the bank said they are working with authorities over the safety concerns.

“Unfortunately we have had to close our branches temporarily due to a physical security threat,” the NAB said in an online statement.

“As always the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our priority.

“We are working closely with police and will provide an update as soon as we can.”

Multiple triple-0 calls were made about 1.30pm from the nine branches who received the threats via phone or email.

Customers are turned away from the NAB branch in Albert St, Brisbane. Picture: Kay Dibben

The Courier-Mail understands branches that were contacted over the bomb threat include Springwood, Sunnybank, Upper Mt Gravatt and Carindale, as well as more regional branches in Bundaberg and Toowoomba and on the Gold Coast.

One woman attempting to enter NAB’s Albert St branch said she had been trying to pay her mortgage.

Another customer said the bank should have put a sign in the window letting people know the reason for the closure.

In the Queen Street Mall, the NAB branch is closed as is popular clothing store H&M next door.

It’s currently unclear if H&M’s closure is related to the NAB bomb threats, or in relation to a disgruntled customer.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed NAB had received “a physical security threat,” while an NAB spokesman told T he Courier-Mail the nationwide shutdown was a precautionary measure.

One Queensland customer posted online that they’d been on the phone to an NAB staffer as he was being evacuated.

“Was just on a phone call with an NAB employee and they were evacuating whilst we were talking,” the man wrote.

“Poor guy kept trying to finish my banking needs before he evacuated. He kept saying they are telling him to leave immediately.

“I told him not to worry and leave, as I’d rather him be safe than to worry about my money.”

Digital banking services, including internet and mobile banking, as well as telephone banking, remain available to customers as normal.

TARGETED BRANCHES

Springwood

Sunnybank

Beenleigh

Bagara

Toowoomba

Rockhampton

Upper Mt Gravatt

Carindale

Unknown branch