OSLO - Norway's parliament received a bomb threat on Wednesday and police tightened security around the building, blocking off nearby streets.

The public audience attending deliberations inside the building were asked to leave, while members of parliament continued their normal business, including a ministers' question time, a parliament spokesperson said.

A police spokesperson said: "We are on the scene with several patrols to secure the parliament and prevent potential incidents. We have no information so far that there is a threat to third parties."

Armed police in riot gear were erecting metal barriers to block access to the building in central Oslo, where security is normally more discreet. Police in Norway do not generally carry guns. REUTERS