12 Nov 2014

Suspicious parcel at US embassy

11:27 am on 12 November 2014

Emergency services have been at the US embassy in Wellington after a suspicious package was reported there this morning.

Emergency services were called to the US embassy.

Emergency services were called to the US embassy. Photo: RNZ / Alex Ashton

The building is still being used but part of it is being investigated.

A special hazard unit is at the scene along with police and fire.

In a statement, the embassy said a suspicious package was identified during the normal mail screening process and was referred to the Fire Service and Police.

"The Embassy is open and continues to operate normally," the statement said.

"The Embassy is grateful for the New Zealand authorities' quick and professional response. The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely."

Yesterday, packages containing a small bottle of liquid and documents that referred to Ebola arrived by post at the New Zealand Herald's office in Auckland and at Parliament in the afternoon.

One of the vials is being sent to a laboratory in Melbourne that tests for the deadly virus.

Police say most suspicious packages turn out to be benign, but they take no chances.