A uniformed Secret Service agent ushers the media down West Executive Drive at the White House in Washington Feb. 2, 2007, after the neighbouring White House Conference Center was evacuated. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The White House Conference Center, the temporary press room near the U.S. presidential residence, was evacuated for half an hour Friday in a bomb scare, CNN reported.

    White House spokesman Tony Fratto had begun his briefing on 9:30 a.m. when he was interrupted by Deputy Press Secretary Scott Stanzel, who said everyone must leave the building, according to the report.

    A nearby car checked by a bomb-sniffing dog had tested positive, Stanzel said.

    Later, Secret Service said nothing suspicious was found in the vehicle, which was driven by a government contractor and had been stopped at the entrance to the White House complex.

    During the bomb scare, nearby streets were closed, but the presidential residence of White House itself was not evacuated.