Video: Suspicious packages found in foreign missions including Indian consulate in Australia
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Reports said hazardous material was also sent to the British consulate general in Melbourne
Australian media reports said the paramedics were seen attending the Indian mission in Melbourne after suspicious packages were discovered in a number of foreign missions in Melbourne and Canberra, news wire Reuters reported.
Reports said staff at the consulate general of India were evacuated from the building for about 40 minutes. However, there has been no report of harm to any staff member.
"Several suspicious packages were delivered to embassies and consulates in Canberra and Melbourne on Wednesday," the Australian federal police said in a statement.
"The packages are being examined by attending emergency services," the Australian police said.
Reports said hazardous material was also sent to the British consulate general in Melbourne including the US, Korean, Swiss and German diplomatic missions.
"We handled the package according to our standard procedures and in close coordination with local authorities ... who are investigating the incident," a spokesman for the US consulate said.
Vic Emergency, a government response agency, reported several instances of hazardous materials being found across the city on Wednesday, including near the Spanish, Japanese, Egyptian, Indian and Pakistani consulates.
"We are liaising closely with the (Australian Federal Police) and the local authorities regarding the situation. All our staff are safe and accounted for," said a British High Commission spokesperson.