Emergency alert over 'explosive device'

Police have declared an emergency situation as they investigate a suspected explosive device found on the side of the road outside central Cairns.

A member of the public alerted authorities after finding the item at Edmonton shortly before noon on Wednesday.

Police say X-rays confirmed the suspicious item was "consistent with an explosive device".

They declared an emergency situation for an area encompassing McLaughlin Road, Robert Road and both lanes of the Bruce Highway that remain closed from Foster Road, Mount Sheridan, to Mill Road, as they conduct further tests.