Bomb squad called to suspicious box at office linked to Avalon Airshow

The bomb squad has been called in after a suspicious package was dropped at an office linked to the Avalon Airshow. WATCH THE VIDEO.

The bomb squad has shut down part of a North Geelong business estate after a suspicious package was dropped at an office linked to the Avalon Airshow.

Two female protesters went to AMDA Foundation’s North Geelong office on Mackey St in about 9.40am.

Police say the pair dropped a box at reception while chanting and filming.

“The protesters were removed from the building by staff and police were notified in relation to the package,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The offenders left prior to police attending.”

The bomb squad at work at AMDA in Mackay St, North Geelong after a suspicious package was delivered. Picture: Alison Wynd

The incident triggered a major police response as officers cordoned off the area and the bomb squad was called to investigate.

About 1.30pm, a bomb detection robot moved into the office.

Multiple offices at the Federal Mills business estate were evacuated just after 10am.

Many of the staff were left stranded, leaving car keys behind during the chaotic evacuation.

They weren’t able to return to their offices until about 2pm, when police brought down police tape.

Emergency services began leaving shortly after, with the scene declared safe.

The bomb squad at work at AMDA in Mackay St, North Geelong after a suspicious package was delivered. Picture: Alison Wynd

Victoria Police confirmed the package was found not to contain any dangerous materials.

“Investigations into the incident remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage,” a spokesman said.

AMDA Foundation is the organiser of next week’s Avalon Airshow.

Earlier this week, Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said any anti-war or pro-Palestine protests will not be tolerated.

“There’s no room for that type of activism, and anyone who is doing that is being anti-Geelong and anti-Australian,” he said.

Anti-war protesters targeted Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’s office on Brougham St office on Wednesday.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Bomb squad called to suspicious box at office linked to Avalon Airshow