Source: Radio New Zealand
The police cordon at Sheffield Crescent in Christchurch. RNZ/Anna Sargent
Residents have been evacuated from a suburb near Christchurch Airport after a “high-risk explosive” was found.
Cordons are in place around Sheffield Crescent in Burnside after police were alerted to the substance shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday.
Police sent an emergency mobile alert to people nearby.
“All members of the public are advised to immediately evacuate the area in the vicinity of Sheffield Cres Burnside Christchurch and surrounding area due to high-risk explosive substance located,” the alert said.
Cordons are in place in the vicinity of Sheffield Crescent, Burnside, Christchurch. Google Maps
Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said people should avoid the area.
“An increased police presence can be expected as safe removal of the substance is arranged. Cordons will be removed once the area is safe,” he said.
Cordons will be removed once the area is safe, he added.
Some businesses have been evacuated, including Orion and a dance studio on Sheffield Cres.
Kate Limuloa, of Silhouette Studios, told RNZ she left just after 3pm. She said none of her 15 dance students received the alert.
A nearby gym told RNZ that only one client received an emergency alert.
Christchurch Airport has confirmed it was not affected.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
