Second bomb scare in Melbourne’s CBD this afternoon
A second unattended bag has sparked a lockdown in Melbourne’s CBD this afternoon, forcing the closure of another major city street.
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Two bomb scares within minutes of each other have resulted in parts of Melbourne’s CBD being closed off this afternoon.
Swanston St between Collins and Bourke streets was blocked after the alarm was raised about 4.10pm.
Trams were held up and peak-hour commuters were affected.
Police said in a statement the Bomb Response Unit was at the scene conducting a safety check.
They did not confirm what had sparked the scare.
The same scenario played out earlier today on Lonsdale St, where the road was closed for two hours between Cohen Place and Exhibition St.
The bomb squad carried out a safety check and the area was reopened about 4pm.
It is not yet clear what sparked the response, but police were seen investigating a small black suitcase at the scene.
Earlier, Victoria Police leading senior constable Rohan Imms said an investigation into the incident was under way, and the bomb squad was at the scene.
“Police are currently conducting a safety check in Melbourne,” he said.
“Investigators were called to Lonsdale St about 1.55pm.
Lonsdale Street in the Melbourne CBD is closed between Russell and Exhibition streets, due to a @VictoriaPolice operation. If you're trying to cross the city, use Collins, Bourke or La Trobe streets instead. The road will open as soon as investigations are complete. #victraffic pic.twitter.com/VUzSlBTb7y
— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) October 23, 2019
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VicTraffic is warning commuters travelling through the city to use alternative routes such as Collins, Bourke or La Trobe streets, as delays remain.
It came just hours after a possible bomb was found at a suburban hotel this morning.
A man allegedly left an item resembling bomb in a Caroline Springs pub this morning after a dispute with staff.
He was arrested a short time later.