Bomb squad called to National Gallery of Victoria over reports of suspicious bag, triggering evacuations

The bomb response unit was called to the National Gallery of Victoria after reports of a suspicious bag in the area, triggering evacuations of the gallery and the surrounding zone.

The bomb response unit has been called to the National Gallery of Victoria following reports of a suspicious bag. Picture: Euan Kennedy

The bomb squad was called to the National Gallery of Victoria on Saturday afternoon after police received reports of a suspicious bag in the area.

Emergency services cordoned off St Kilda Rd in Southbank after a lone red backpack was spotted on the footpath outside the entrance to the gallery.

It is understood that both the NGV and the nearby Arts Centre were evacuated.

Emergency services cordoned off St Kilda Rd near the gallery on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Euan Kennedy

Trams travelling along St Kilda Rd were also diverted.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed that the bomb response unit was responding to reports of a “suspicious bag”, with Fire Rescue Victoria also in attendance.

Confused onlookers could be seen observing the police officers, while others were unsure why they had been ushered out of the venues.

After a thorough investigation, the bag was deemed safe. Picture: Euan Kennedy

“We were just at the Arts Centre and had to evacuate, NGV was being evacuated too, anyone know what was happening?” one user posted to Reddit.

The area was deemed safe shortly after 6.40pm after a thorough investigation of the backpack, with regular foot traffic resuming through the arts precinct.