UPDATE: ACT Police say a package discovered at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra this afternoon has been deemed “non-suspicious”.

“The package was a backpack that had been accidentally left there by a staff member,” Station Sergeant Donna Hofmeir told reporters.

“There was nothing suspicious about it apart from the fact it was unattended.”

Sergeant Hofmeir said the owner of the backpack was “extremely embarrassed”.

“It was just a mistake that she’s left it there.”

She admitted that people were jittery after the siege in Sydney, but denied there needed to be a review.

“I don’t think we will, I think our procedures worked very well today.”

The package, which was found shortly before 2pm, forced staff to evacuate the building and drew a response from Federal Police bomb squad officers.

BREAKING: Package found at DFAT deemed non-suspicious. More info to come #DFATevac — ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) December 16, 2014

Streets around the DFAT headquarters in Barton were cordoned off, with an alarm bell sounding inside. Hazmat response vehicles also arrived on the scene.

Police investigating suspicious package in the canteen area of the Dept Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Barton. http://t.co/pe4WgGjv81 — ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) December 16, 2014

Evacuations underway, roads closed after suspicious package discovered at DFAT, Canberra. pic via @bevanshields85 pic.twitter.com/WQfjn8u9dW — Anthony Segaert (@anthonysegaert7) December 16, 2014

police blocking Brisbane avenue after dfat bomb threat pic.twitter.com/8ckkNZfJ6O — Peter Kelley (@yellekau) December 16, 2014

Exclusion zone around DFAT. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/n4xwQbr8nA — ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) December 16, 2014

The alarm was raised after a package was located in the building's canteen area, police said.

“ACT Policing is investigating a suspicious package located in the canteen area of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” they said in a statement.

“ACT Policing provided a coordinated response and cordoned the area as a standard safety precaution.

“Evacuations are underway at DFAT and road closures implemented. Members of the AFP Bomb Response Team are in attendance.”

Evacuated workers congregated under trees in the shade, with the temperature in the low 30s.

DFAT site in lockdown. Staff gathered in car park areas. Sirens blaring pic.twitter.com/5YXudMzU7d — Rashida Yosufzai (@Rashidajourno) December 16, 2014

DFAT headquarters in Canberra evacuated. Suspicious package found in the canteen area. Bomb response team here #cbr pic.twitter.com/FMHsAdRD4d — Jennifer Rajca (@jrajca) December 16, 2014

Fire crew enters DFAT precinct... All media being made to leave area. #Canberra pic.twitter.com/NVU1sbyIwZ — David Sharaz (@DavidSharaz) December 16, 2014

Police, HAZMAT and fire crews near DFAT pic.twitter.com/0ya2BrRwpM — Hannah Sinclair (@HanSinclair) December 16, 2014