'IED' BLOWN UP
as the attendees bunkered down to wait.
The Bomb Response Unit was reportedly on the way from Melbourne.
“We are taking all due caution with the device and the public are advised to avoid the area until the matter has been dealt with,” Leading Senior Constable Brad Carroll said.
“This is still an active investigation and I obviously cannot comment at this stage.”
Command was later relinquished to a second senior officer and communications with the media switched to the Victoria Police Media Unit, an indication of the seriousness with which the operation was being taken.
Bolitho Rd was blocked-off to traffic, expanding the cordon around Thompsons Lane.
SES personnel waited in the cold wind and rain with a trailer loaded with sandbags, reportedly requested by Victoria Police Bomb Response Unit command.
Deputy Controller for the Kyabram State Emergency Service Pat Torney said the request came through after lunch.
“We were called this afternoon at about one o’clock to supply sandbags,” Mr Torney said.