Major police operation underway as suspicious item is found at Sydney’s Jewish Museum

Visitors and staff at the Sydney Jewish Museum have been evacuated after a ‘suspicious item’ was discovered inside.

A major police operation was launched at the museum on Darlinghurst Road in Darlinghurst, in Sydney’s CBD, just after 9:30am after the item was reportedly located on the first floor.

Fire and Rescue NSW Duty Commander Michael Woodward told reporters that a ‘substance’ had been found at the scene.

‘The substance has been rendered safe,’ Mr Woodward said.

Footage from the scene show several fire trucks and police vehicles stopped outside the museum as about 50 people were evacuated to nearby Green Park.

Police officers were seen speaking to a number of those evacuated while firefighters and a hazmat team equipped with gas masks searched the building.

Mr Woodward said safety tests had been conducted found there to be no ongoing danger.

One officer was spotted leisurely handling a white box with yellow tape outside of the museum. 

NSW Police have since concluded the operation which also involved the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.

‘The premises was evacuated and following a search, a substance was taken for further testing,’ a police statement reads.

‘There are no reports of injuries and all roads are now open.’

Firefighters and a hazmat team equipped with gas masks (pictured) searched the building and located the substance which was later deemed safe 

The Sydney Jewish Museum confirmed the site is ‘open and operational’ following the operation.

‘The Sydney Jewish Museum was briefly evacuated this morning, at the recommendation of NSW Police,’ the statement reads, 9News reports.

‘At no time was anyone at the Museum in danger, and the Museum is thankful for the ongoing support of its security team, and the local police.

‘The Sydney Jewish Museum remains a safe place for all staff, volunteers and visitors.’

More to come.