Seven foreign consulates have been evacuated in Melbourne after the discovery of suspicious packages.

Australian Federal Police are now examining the packages, which were delivered to consulates in St Kilda Rd and the CBD.

AFP confirmed packages were also delivered to embassies in Canberra.

“Police and emergency services have responded to suspicious packages delivered to Embassies and Consulates in Canberra and Melbourne today,” an AFP spokesperson said.

“The circumstances surrounding the incidents are being investigated.”

It is understood at least seven Melbourne buildings have been evacuated.

VicEmergency says they are responding to hazardous material reports at Bourke St, Market St, Middleton Lane, Albert Rd, Queens Rd and St Kilda Rd.

A spokesman for the US Mission Australia, on behalf of the US Consulate General in Melbourne, said: “We can confirm the U.S. Consulate in Melbourne received a suspicious package earlier today.

“We handled the package according to our standard procedures and in close coordination with local authorities — the Melbourne Fire Brigade, the Victoria Police, and the Australian Federal Police — who are investigating the incident.”

“We are assisting at a number of embassies across Melbourne,” she said.