An indecent assault brought traffic to a standstill around the Australian Open last night, with tennis fans warned to avoid the area due to safety concerns.
About 9.30pm Wednesday police closed Olympic Boulevard at Melbourne Park, it was reopened one hour later.
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Tennis spectators at Hisense Arena and Rod Laver Arena were told the boulevard was closed "due to a safety issue".
A police spokesman said a woman was "indecently assaulted" by a man, about 6.45pm.
"We're investigating an indecent assault, which occurred at the tennis last night," he said.
"The prior and subsequent actions of the offender led to police conducting safety checks on Olympic Boulevard.
"That concluded at 10.30pm with no issues found.
"The investigation into the assault continues."
The spokesman said police would not comment on why the safety checks were needed, following the assault.
The announcement was made at the end of the match between Nick Kyrgios and Andreas Seppi.
A sign at Hisense arena said: "Due to a safety issue the Grand Slam Oval exit to Olympic Boulevard is temporarily closed."
Tennis fans were delayed from leaving the arenas, with one spectator saying it was "absolute mayhem" leaving Hisense Arena.
Tennis Australia has been contacted for comment.
On Wednesday night a spokeswoman said they had been "informed that it was a safety issue and that [police] were checking the area".
Parts of Olympic Boulevard are closed. It's not currently a thoroughfare. Motorists should avoid the area.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2017
Apparently there's a "safety issue" on Olympic Boulevard. Anyone know what's going on? #AusOpen
— William Caldwell (@Will_Caldwell10) January 18, 2017
Absolute mayhem leaving Hisense arena. 'Safety issue' has forced closure of Olympic boulevard.. #tellmemore
— Eliza Bartlett (@ElizaBart) January 18, 2017