Alleged bomb scare forces staff and customers to flee from Melbourne shopping centre

Staff and customers are slowly being allowed back into Northland Shopping Centre in Preston half an hour after patrons were forced to evacuate due to an emergency situation.

Police confirmed they were conducting safety checks on one of the buildings but would not elaborate on reports a bomb threat had been made against one of the department stores at the shopping centre.

A number of shoppers reported seeing a heavy police presence around Myer before they were ushered into the car park, where large crowds formed.

A police spokesman told 9NEWS the area has been deemed safe for shoppers to return.

Traffic surrounding the shopping centre has also slowed down as patrons leave the area.