Parliament evacuated after bomb scare

Parliament buildings. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Police officers have blown up a suspicious package found in bushes near Parliament.

Central police communications supervisor Dean Eteveneaux said the package was a suitcase found in bushes near Bowen St.

The area between the Bowen St executive wing and Parliament was cordoned off - from Bowen St and The Terrace up through to Molesworth St and Kate Sheppard Place.

A short time ago a police officer moved onlookers away, saying the object was about to be moved and there was potential for it to get "very nasty".

Parliamentary security staff were told not to comment on the reason for the evacuation.

- NZ Herald staff, NZPA