2 December 2020

UPDATED: Bomb robot deployed after suspicious package found in Civic Square

| David Murtagh
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Det Insp Matt Reynolds

Det Insp Matt Raynolds speaking after the bomb scare in Civic this morning. Photo: Dominic Giannini.

UPDATE 4:25 pm, 2 December: ACT Policing has confirmed that a 20-year-old man from New South Wales is in police custody in relation to the incident in Civic earlier today.

UPDATE 3:45 pm, 2 December: ACT Policing has held a media briefing detailing the events which resulted in the evacuation of several buildings around Civic Square in the CBD this afternoon, and the deployment of a bomb robot.

According to Det Insp Matt Reynolds, police were called at about 11:45 am this morning with reports that a suspicious package had been left in the Civic Library. An evacuation followed and the bomb squad attended as a precaution.

“The item in and of itself was not causing us concerns; however, comments made by the person who left the item there, and his behaviour, led us to have concerns,” Det Insp Reynolds said.

On examination, the package was found to contain clothes.

ACT Policing has images of the suspect from CCTV but no arrest has been made at this stage. The man is known to police.

Police in the city

ACT Police in the city at 1:35 pm this afternoon. Photos: Dominic Giannini.

UPDATE 4:20 pm, 2 December: ACT Policing has confirmed that a 20-year-old man from New South Wales is in police custody in relation to the incident in Civic earlier today.

UPDATE 2:40 pm, 2 December: ACT Policing has given the all-clear following the incident in Civic Square this afternoon.

Barriers have been taken down around the area and workers and the public have been allowed back into buildings around the Square.

Two AFP officers are still guarding Civic Library.


ACT Policing and the ACT Fire and Rescue have been responding to an incident at Civic Square since about 12:40 pm which is impacting traffic on London Cct between Akuna Street and East Row.

Police officer

Police officer operating the bomb robot.

It is understood that a suspicious package was found resulting in the evacuation of Civic Library and CMAG.

Observers report that a bomb robot was deployed at around 1:30 pm.

Bomb robot

The bomb robot on the scene of the incident this afternoon.

ACT Policing has requested motorists and pedestrians avoid the area.

More to come.

Civic Library

Police near Civic Library.

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