A man dressed in an oversized hat who rides a miniature scooter is wanted by police after dumping a suspicious package at Melbourne train station.
CCTV images of the man have been released in a bid to locate him as authorities believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries.
He is described as approximately 30-years-old with short dark hair, facial hair and an olive complexion.
The man (pictured) dressed in an oversized hat who rides a miniature scooter is wanted by police
CCTV images of the man have been released in a bid to locate him as authorities believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries
He is described as approximately 30-years-old with short dark hair, facial hair and an olive complexion
He was wearing a dark coloured broad brim hat, black coat, tan pants and black boots.
The man was on a green motorised scooter and was carrying a red and black backpack and green helmet.
Travelers were stranded when all trains approaching North Melbourne Station on the Craigieburn, Sunbury, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown lines were stopped.
The morning mayhem left commuters stranded on trains and station platforms
Craigieburn, Sunbury, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown lines were all affected
The station was evacuated as police investigated a suspicious package, and the operation caused major delays on all affected lines.
Detectives believe the man was commuting on the Craigieburn line before getting off at North Melbourne Station about 6am on Thursday.
The device was left on platform one near the staircase and had the appearance of an explosive device.
Victoria Police said the station was evacuated as a precaution and trains are not stopping at the station
A peak hour police operation has caused chaos and left commuters stranded (pictured) after train lines were shut down
As the incident unfolded Metro Trains issued a warning outlining the processes to be undertaken by authorities.
‘Victoria Police are currently conducting safety checks at the North Melbourne railway station after a suspicious item was located,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Trains along the lines have been stopped and the station has been evacuated as a precaution while the investigation is ongoing.’
The mayhem left commuters waiting on platforms and put heavy loading on the city’s bus network which is also reporting delays.
The station was evacuated while police investigated a suspicious package, and the operation caused major delays on all affected lines (pictured)
Commuters reported trains returning back the way they came, and an ambulance was called to South Kensington Station
It was reported trains were returning back the way they came, and an ambulance was called to South Kensington Station, a caller told 3AW.
Victoria Police said the station was evacuated as a precaution and trains are not stopping at the station.
The investigation is ongoing.
All trains approaching North Melbourne Station (pictured) on the Craigieburn, Sunbury, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown lines have been stopped