Police investigations are continuing into an incident at the Shoreline Shopping Centre on Hobart’s eastern shore today.

A 30 year old Clarendon Vale man was arrested near the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Tasmania Police were called to the shopping complex about 8.25am after three suspicious packages were located in the car park.

An area of the car park was cordoned off as a precaution and the car park was evacuated. A section of Clarence Street was also closed.

Acting Inspector Sally Cottrell said that police specialists examined the items and determined they were not items of concern.

“Members of the public are to be thanked for their patience and understanding while we took steps to ensure the packages were not a threat to public safety,” Acting Inspector Cottrell.

“Whilst in this case the suspicious items were not deemed to be a threat, we commend the member of the public who observed the packages and reported the incident to police with her concerns.

“We are following a particular line of enquiry in relation to this matter, however members of the public can be assured that there was not then, and is not now, a threat to public safety.”