Bomb response squad called to charity shop, businesses evacuated

Police officers evacuated half a dozen businesses on Tuesday afternoon after a potentially dangerous device was found at a Canberra charity shop.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

The device was reported at the Salvation Army shop on Weedon Close in Belconnen.

An ACT Policing spokeswoman said an item resembling a military device was located inside the premises.

Witnesses at the location said there was a significant police presence during the brief incident at about 3.15pm.

ACT Policing vehicles closed a section of Weedon Close while officers told businesses next to the op shop to evacuate and go to the other side of the road.

One manager exiting their business said they were confused after police told them to leave their shop unattended.

A Salvation Army employee was heard saying: "There's been an incident incident, we have to leave."

Other staff said they had "no idea" what had occurred.

An ACT Policing spokeswoman said officers from the Australian Federal Police bomb squad responded and deemed the item "inert" or inactive.

The Canberra Times understands the item could have caused an explosion.

Two police officers were seen carrying the item out of the charity shop in a black and orange bag with the words "blast inhibitor".

The police cordon was lifted after about 15 minutes and nearby businesses were permitted to reopen.

More from Court and Crime