Bomb scare at Swiss parliament: Abandoned car seen, man with explosives arrested

Switzerland Bomb Scare: The suspect was undergoing physical and mental exams, the police informed as federal prosecutors and police opened a criminal investigation.

Switzerland's parliament and related offices were evacuated by the police after a man in a bulletproof vest was arrested near one of the entrances with explosives, Associated Press reported quoting police.

Switzerland Bomb Scare: An explosives expert walks in front of the Swiss Parliament, the Bundeshaus, during the large-scale operation of the Bern police. (AP)

“Federal security staffers noticed a man at the southern entrance of the Parliament building whose appearance — he was wearing a bulletproof vest and weapon holster — and behavior were suspicious," the police informed.

“During a body check that followed, a rapid test turned up explosives,” the statement added without providing details on the explosives.

The suspect was undergoing physical and mental exams, the police informed as federal prosecutors and police opened a criminal investigation. Although, there was no immediate indication about a possible motive, officials said.

Federal Square outside the parliament building and nearby streets were cordoned off for several hours as police dispatched security teams which included fire squads, de-mining experts, a police dog and drones to inspect the abandoned car. The restrictions were later lifted as the vehicle did not present any danger, the police said.