30 Apr 2019 | 06:16 AM UTC
New Zealand: Police respond to suspicious items in Christchurch April 30
Explosive ordnance unit responds to suspicious items at a house in the Phillipstown area of Christchurch on April 30; situation contained
Event
Emergency personnel responded to suspicious items at a home in the Phillipstown area of Christchurch around 15:15 (local time) on Tuesday, April 30. Police officers were called to a residence on Newcastle Street before an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit was deployed. Houses along Newcastle, Glasgow, and Harrow Streets were evacuated as a precaution, but residents were being allowed to return to the area as of 17:00. According to media reports, one man has been arrested in connection to the incident. A heightened security presence is still being reported in the area and the public is being asked to avoid the area.
Context
New Zealand has been on high alert since March 15, when an anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim terrorist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, killing 50 people.
Advice
Individuals in Christchurch are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
