Sydney Police Say Suspicious Package Found on Ferry was a False Alarm

New South Wales Police reported on Twitter Thursday that a suspicious package found on a ferry in Sydney's Circular Quay had been deemed not suspicious.

MOSCOW, January 22 (Sputnik) — Unattended package left on a ferry in Sydney's Circular Quay was deemed not suspicious by the police, following the evacuation of the train station of the same name, New South Wales Police stated on Twitter Thursday.

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

— NSW Police (@nswpolice) January 22, 2015

Earlier on Thursday, the police announced that there was an operation underway, as a suspicious package was found on the ferry. Exclusion zone was established, with trains and buses not stopping at Circular Quay. Roads were partially closed, and ferries were not running due to the operation.

Police operation underway at #CircularQuay after suspicios object discovered on a ferry | Pic via @Y7News chopper cam pic.twitter.com/OOQ3ZmB7gi

— Marc Dodd (@marcdodd) January 22, 2015

In December, almost 20 people were held hostage in a café in Sydney by a gunman, identified as Man Haron Monis, a self-proclaimed Iranian sheikh. Two hostages lost their lives. Monis was killed when police stormed the café.

#CircularQuay reopened following the discovery of a 'suspicious' package. http://t.co/rxanQT4dUE (Pic: 7 News) pic.twitter.com/OaID0hw2P1

— The Australian (@australian) January 22, 2015

Following the incident, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated that the terror threat in the country remained high, adding that a terrorist attack was likely.