Bomb squad called to reports of suspicious packages outside US and Israeli embassies

Police and the New Zealand Defence Force’s bomb squad have responded to reports of suspicious packages outside the Israeli and United States embassies in Wellington.

A police spokesperson confirmed they were alerted to the first package outside the US Embassy on Fitzherbert Tce at 1.40pm. An embassy spokesperson said they were grateful for the quick response from New Zealand authorities.

Police were alerted to a second package outside the Israeli Embassy on Brandon St at 1.50pm. Stuff has reported it understands a fake baby covered in blood was left outside the embassy.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy could not confirm any details of what the package was.

The New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has since confirmed there is no risk to safety from either package, allowing cordons to be lifted.

Cordons have now been lifted around Brandon St.

Investigations are ongoing into both items.

Pedestrians and motorists were earlier asked to plan their travel in the city and avoid the areas around the buildings.

“Police thank all those impacted by the cordons for their patience and co-operation,” police said in a statement.

Nearby schools were earlier put into lockdown including Queen Margaret College.

The school’s website was intermittently down due to high traffic but all remained safe and well, a post on the school’s Facebook page said.

Queen Margaret College parents have been told to pick up their children from school as usual but from Hobson St only.

“Please be patient as congestion will occur.”

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.