Downing Centre evacuated in police operation in Sydney

One of Australia’s biggest courts was evacuated, sparking a massive police operation.

Hundreds were evacuated from Sydney Downing Centre on Friday morning, following reports that a suspicious package was located in the complex.

There were reports of police telling people at the scene ‘this is not a drill.’ 

‘The court building remains closed for the time being,’ NSW District Court tweeted.

Dozens of matters that were due to be heard at the court on Friday were put on hold.

The police operation ended shortly before 11am after specialist officers declared the package found inside in the complex as safe.

There is no risk to the public.

Hundreds of court staff and members of the public evacuated Downing Centre Local Court after reports of suspicious package was found inside

Staff, lawyers and the public were ordered to evacuate the court at around 10am and congregate in nearby Hyde Park.

They were allowed back just over half an hour later.

Police set up an exclusion zone with road closures on busy Elizabeth, Goulburn and Liverpool streets in the Sydney CBD. 

The exclusion zone has since been lifted and roads have been reopened.

Police have since launched a manhunt for a person who is believed to have walked into the court foyer carrying a ‘suspicious package’ which was left at reception on the ground floor.

It understood they walked into the court carrying the package before telling someone ‘this is a bomb’, Nine Newspapers reported.

Police are now reviewing CCTV to identify the person. 

Sydney’s Downing Centre later reopened after the package found inside was declared safe

Dozens of police swarmed the busy court complex at around 10am on Friday

‘Police would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation,’ A NSW police statement read.

‘Investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.’

Earlier on, court officers and sheriffs gathered at the X-ray machine inside the building foyer.

Hundreds were evacuated as the six storey courthouse was flooded with police.

Court sheriffs and police on the scene refused to comment on the evacuation as officers wearing tactical gear entered the historic building.

Police officers congregated outside the courthouse to ensure court goers were escorted safely away from the building.

Dozens of police and forensic officers dressed in white suits remain on scene. 

As inquiries continue, anyone with information who can assist investigators is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

Several CBD road closures were in place during the police operation

A exclusion zone which cordoned off several busy CBD streets has since been lifted