Sydney Ferries Embarassingly Admit Fake Bombs Sparking Lockdown Were Their Own

    The exclusion zone has now been lifted.

    What We Know So Far

    • Circular Quay was in lockdown after a suspicious package was reported on a ferry.
    • NSW police investigated and deemed the package not suspicious.
    • The exclusion zone has been lifted.
    • Buses, trains and ferries have resumed operations at Circular Quay, passengers are advised to expect delays.

    Updates

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    Harbour City Ferries has been forced into an embarrassing admission: the fake devices were owned by the company. The company told ABC News the series of bottles with nails and wires, were training devices used in security drills.

    A source has told ABC the suspicious package is a bottle with liquid and nails inside it with wires hanging out of the bottle.#circularquay

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    Police held a media briefing this afternoon but would not describe the package that was found. One officer said, "we don't believe it was a threat to the public."

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    After investigating, NSW police have deemed the package "not suspicious".

    Unattended package on ferry at #CircularQuay deemed not suspicious. Perimeter to be lifted soon.

    The exclusion zone has been lifted and trains, ferries and buses have resumed operations at Circular Quay.

    Ferries may leave #CircularQuay from different wharves after a police operation. Tickets can still be used on trains and buses.

    Buses returning to usual route & operating to/from #CircularQuay again after police operation. Still allow extra time http://t.co/55i8TlAlkr

    Services on the City Circle are now stopping at #CircularQuay after a police operation.

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    Circular Quay station has been evacuated and an exclusion zone has been established as police investigate a suspicious object found on a ferry at wharf five.

    Just spoke to crewman of the ferry (white overalls). He confirms was a package and he called cops #QuayLockdown

    New South Wales police confirmed a specialist crew arrived on the scene after emergency services were called at around 1.30pm.

    A police operation is underway at #CircularQuay. Abt 1.30pm emergency services were called after a sus object was discovered on a ferry.

    Specialist police on scene. Exclusion zone established. For latest on transport and road conditions: http://t.co/exN4TnfxO9 #CircularQuay

    Circular Quay is a popular transport hub situated close to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

    Hundreds of tourists were evacuated from the train, ferry and bus station and redirected to nearby Wynyard.

    Police helicopter in the air above Circular Quay. About 3-400 tourists milling about #QuayLockdown

    Transport marshals sending everyone to Wynard. Buses, trains and ferries have stopped #Quaylockdown

    Transport NSW advised that trains were not stopping at Circular Quay station, and ferries were only using wharves two and three.

    Sydney Ferries passengers should allow extra travel time - police operation at Circular Quay. Ferries are only using wharves 2 and 3.

    This story is developing.