Parliament 'bomb' turns out to be clothes

Parliament buildings. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A suspicious suitcase which sparked a bomb scare in central Wellington this afternoon contained clothing and personal items, police say.

The suitcase was found in bushes on Bowen Street, between Lambton Quay and the Terrace, near Parliament about 1.10pm, causing Parliamentary staff to be evacuated and nearby roads to be closed.

Staff were allowed to return and roads reopened shortly before 4pm after a specialist bomb team detonated the package.

Police are now trying to find the owner of the suitcase.

- NZPA