Bomb squad called, airport shuts down over laser hair removal device

The ‘suspicious’ item that brought a Melbourne airport to a standstill and temporarily grounded a flight turned out to be a laser hair removal device.

One man was arrested today during a major police operation involving the bomb squad at Avalon Airport, after the item was identified during the security investigation.

Emergency services were called to the property just before 6am and the domestic terminal was evacuated while police carried out security checks.

After Victoria Police’s bomb squad arrived and assessed the item, it was determined to be a laser hair removal device and a carton of hot chocolate.

No charges have been filed and the arrested man is no longer in police custody

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Nick Uebergang said the man who owned the bag was “not too cooperative” during the incident.

“It made things difficult, we could have avoided things and gotten out of here a lot quicker,” he said.

“He didn’t give us too much information at all about what was in his bag.”

Uebergang praised the airport security team for bringing the package to the attention of police, despite the fact that it was later deemed non-suspicious.

“[We] I want security to take these measures,” he added.

Avalon Airport also thanked police for the way they responded to the incident.

“Today’s response demonstrates the vigilance of the screening and security processes, with immediate precautions being taken to ensure the safety of passengers, staff and the wider community, which will always remain our top priority,” the airport said.

The incident caused delays at Melbourne’s second-largest airport, which is about 50 kilometers from the CBD.

“At this stage, passengers are advised that delays are expected on the flight to Brisbane this morning due to security measures,” police previously said.

“We will provide further updates on any additional delays as more information becomes available.”

“The building has been evacuated as a precaution and the area has been cordoned off while the investigation is ongoing.”

Footage from the scene showed cars reversing outside the airport as security vehicles blocked entrances.

9News was told that passengers who landed from a flight in Bali this morning were escorted off the plane and taken to a waiting area.

Two bomber robots were deployed in the terminal

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