Parramatta’s court precinct in lockdown after a security threat
THE court precinct in Parramatta was placed in lockdown after a security threat saw the riot squad and dog units swarm buildings.
THE court precinct in Parramatta, west of Sydney, was placed in lockdown after an apparent bomb threat that saw police swarm buildings with dogs.
A spokesperson for NSW Police said a major operation began just after 2pm, and pedestrians and motorists were urged to avoid the George St area.
It was just before 4pm when police gave the all-clear and the precinct reopened.
Channel 7 reporter Laura Banks was at the court when the incident began to unfold, describing a “large police presence” and a “level of urgency” among officers.
PARRAMATTA | Police riots squad have arrived at the courts precinct. All courts in the area have been in lockdown for 45mins. Sniffer dogs are also on site @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/p5kFtP5RQl
— Laura Banks (@laurakatebanks) October 2, 2018
A number of dog squad units and riot control officers arrived a short time later. According to Banks, sniffer dogs were doing a sweep of various parts of the Local and District Courts.
BREAKING | All courts in Parramatta precinct are in lockdown. Large police presence. Am told “security threat†is the reason for lockdown. There is a level of urgency about the officers on scene @7NewsSydney pic.twitter.com/ip24GiZWa3
— Laura Banks (@laurakatebanks) October 2, 2018
PARRAMATTA | Multiple dog squad units have just arrived at the courts precinct where all courts are in lockdown following security threat @7NewsSydney pic.twitter.com/D91qW8GUPs
— Laura Banks (@laurakatebanks) October 2, 2018
She cited a source as saying the operation was sparked by a bomb threat and that a similar scare had occurred yesterday.
Just before 3.30pm the District and Local Courts were cleared and reopened, and 20 minutes later police completed a sweep of the Children’s and Family Courts.
“The police operation at Parramatta has now concluded,” a spokesperson said. “All roads remain open.”