Melbourne Airport plunged into 'total shutdown' with bomb squad called in and terminal evacuated

Melbourne's Avalon Airport has been plunged into "total shutdown" amid a major bomb scare.

A suspicious item was found at the airport - the Australian city's second-largest - with police and explosives teams rushing to the scene.

Avalon's terminal was evacuated entirely - while Victoria Police confirmed an individual had been detained.

Police also said they were carrying a "safety check" at the airport.

Images from the travel hub showed queues of traffic backed up outside the airport as it was shut off to the public.

While passengers landing from tourist hotspot Bali were escorted off the plane and into a holding area, according to local outlet 9News.

More to follow...