UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 11:04 p.m. AEDT: Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with false representation resulting in a police investigation, according to a statement. It is alleged the teenager made threats on social media regarding the Opera House, leading to multiple police operations and the Opera House to be evacuated. Police also received information those responsible for the threats may be on a ferry.
A police operation has been undertaken at the iconic Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia on Thursday afternoon.
People were evacuated from the Opera House, but police have not confirmed the nature of the incident. Police also confirmed a second operation took place in the beachside suburb of Manly.
At 3:30 p.m. both operations concluded, police said in a statement. It appears they were linked to content on social media, no other information has been provided.
"Following information on social media, police conducted an operation in the vicinity of the Opera House and Manly as a precautionary measure," the statement said. "That police operation has now concluded."
Police cars file out from under the Sydney Opera House. @mashableAU pic.twitter.com/ZrLIYq6Vc9— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) January 14, 2016
The Sydney Opera House have confirmed that all "venues, bars, restaurants & the Wilson Car Park are operating as usual" and that "tonight’s performances will proceed as scheduled", according to messages on their Twitter account.
A metal fence manned by police and security guards had prevented people from getting in close proximity to the Opera House.
All Opera House venues, bars, restaurants & the Wilson Car Park are operating as usual...— Sydney Opera House (@SydOperaHouse) January 14, 2016
....Tonight’s performances will proceed as scheduled https://t.co/p8WKjDXXWv— Sydney Opera House (@SydOperaHouse) January 14, 2016
At 3:30 p.m. it was removed, as a security guard told Mashable Australia they were in the process of reopening the venue. "Outside is open to public, but the Opera House itself is in the process of reopening," the guard said.
Despite the security alert, tourists continued snapping selfies of the famous sails.
A police op is currently underway in the #Sydney CBD & #Manly. As the operation is ongoing, no further info is available at this stage.— NSW Police (@nswpolice) January 14, 2016
News crews begin to gather as tourists wait alongside a fence erected outside the Opera House forecourt. @mashableAU pic.twitter.com/r5Qh0WkgAT— Johnny Lieu (@Johnny_Lieu) January 14, 2016
The Transport Management Centre confirmed to Mashable Australia the 1:20 p.m. ferry service from Manly to Circular Quay was cancelled, while the 1:40 p.m. service was delayed. All other transport is running as per usual.
The current scene at the Sydney Opera House. It's been evacuated due to a police operation. No further details yet. pic.twitter.com/URkmgMUogE— Mashable Australia (@mashableAU) January 14, 2016
Sydney Opera House forecourt closed off by police. pic.twitter.com/aJFLk4SNnq— Lisa Robinson (@lisarobinson85) January 14, 2016
No people on steps of Sydney Opera house due to Police clearing area! pic.twitter.com/qoxRgeNcJE— Scott Lilleyman (@scotty_rockstar) January 14, 2016
Tourists taking selfies outside a closed-off Sydney Opera House as police stand guard pic.twitter.com/6svkCyH4NI— Lisa Robinson (@lisarobinson85) January 14, 2016
UPDATE: Thursday, Jan. 14, 3:42 p.m.: Police confirm both operations have concluded.
UPDATE: Thursday, Jan. 14, 4:58 p.m.: Updated with Sydney Opera House's statement.