Christchurch ‘bomb threat’: Homes evacuated as suspected explosive device found in New Zealand

Police arrest 33-year-old man over Phillipstown ‘incident’

A man has been arrested in Christchurch, New Zealand after a package containing a suspected explosive device and ammunition was found by police officers.

New Zealand police said officers responded to an “incident” in the city, where a lone gunman killed 50 people at two mosques last month.

“Police have located a package containing a suspected explosive device and ammunition at a vacant address...in Christchurch,” a spokesperson said.

Officers arrived at a property in the Phillipstown neighbourhood on Tuesday, after ”threats about an explosive device” were reported.

Bomb disposal teams, ambulance and fire crews also arrived as nearby homes were evacuated, with police ordering people to stay clear of the area.

The suspicious package has been made safe by an explosives device unit.

Roads were cordoned off as emergency services staff worked at the scene.

Some residents were later allowed to return home after the cordon was lifted.

“A 33-year-old man has been arrested and is currently speaking to police in regards to the incident,” a police spokesperson said.

“Members of the community are asked to continue to report any concerning behaviour or activity in their neighbourhoods as we all work together to ensure the safety of our community.”

A no-fly zone has also been established in the area.

A spokesman for the St John Ambulance service said an ambulance had been on standby at the request of police but staff did not treat any patients.

The New Zealand government has tightened the country’s gun laws following the March 2019 terror attacks.

Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with 50 counts of murder in the wake of the shootings.

Additional reporting by agencies