Plane forced to turn back to Melbourne airport after security scare

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A plane has landed safely at Melbourne Airport after being forced to turn back after a security incident on board.

Emergency services, including 12 fire trucks, were on standby for a major incident.

Australian Federal Police said they were responding to a security incident on board the aircraft, believed to have about 190 people on board.

The plane - reported to be an Air Mauritius flight to Perth - landed safely about 2.50pm local time on Wednesday.

The AFP said officers were working with Melbourne Airport and the airline to ensure passengers disembarked safely.

"There is no danger to the travelling public at this time," an AFP spokeswoman said.

A retail worker from inside the international terminal told AAP the airport had been shut down.

"They've closed the airport," the retail worker said.

She could not give any more detail, saying she had only heard it via an announcement.

An AFP spokeswoman said it was an unfolding situation and more information would be provided as it came to hand.

-AAP