Victorian hospitals hit with bomb threats as part of global hoax

Police are investigating after Victorian hospitals were caught up in a bizarre global bomb threat after receiving emails claiming multiple bombs would go “off in a few hours”.

Victorian hospitals are on high alert after receiving bomb threats. Picture: iStock

Several Melbourne hospitals have been targeted by a bizarre bomb hoax, with hospitals interstate and overseas receiving similar threats.

Police are investigating after threatening emails were sent to a several metropolitan public hospitals, including The Austin, on Thursday.

None of the Victorian hospitals had to go into lockdown and a police spokeswoman said they believed the emails were a hoax.

“There is no immediate threat to public safety,” she said.

It comes after multiple reports of bomb threats, also sent via email, to hospitals across Australia — including Alice Springs Hospital — and the globe.

The Herald Sun has confirmed multiple interstate police forces are also investigating threats, including in New South Wales, where local police said a “couple” of health facilities had been contacted.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said they were also responding to threats made against “multiple health and medical facilities” this morning, and were investigating “its validity”.

“Specialist officers are currently liaising with partner agencies to ascertain how many facilities have received this threat, and its validity,” she said.

“There is no further information at this time while initial enquires are ongoing.”

Police are investigating after threatening emails were sent to a several metropolitan public hospitals, including The Austin, on Thursday. Picture: Ian Currie

A Northern Territory police spokeswoman said they had responded “to a reported situation at the Alice Springs Hospital earlier today” and “confirmed there was no risk to the public”.

“Police conducted a thorough search of the hospital and surrounding areas,” she said.

“Members of the public are encouraged to refer to official channels for accurate and reliable information.”

About fifty hospitals and government locations in New Delhi, India, received bomb threats earlier this week, the Hindustan Times reported.

According to the paper, the email claimed multiple bombs would go “off in a few hours”, but no explosives were found by police.

“You will end up in a pool of blood, none of you deserve to keep living,” the email said.

“We have placed many explosives inside your building. They are placed in black backpacks.”

In Canada, the Toronto Star reported more than 100 Jewish organisations — including hospitals — received similar threats.

A Victoria police spokeswoman said they were aware “ similar emails have been sent to hospitals and health services both interstate and internationally in recent days”.

“Detectives will investigate the origins of the emails and the circumstances surrounding incidents.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.