An amateur backyard fireworks display triggered a full-scale armed police callout late this morning in Hastings.
Police were notified of the incident after neighbours of the Huia St property in Camberly reported hearing gunshots coming from the property in quick succession. These "gunshots" appeared to continue for some time and there were also reports of blue smoke coming from the property.
Cordons were set up around the street by armed police and the Hawke's Bay Armed Offenders Squad was also called to the property. Shortly after police arrived, they spoke with three people in an alleyway near the property. Further investigations revealed the loud bangs heard by neighbours were caused by a group of three or four males letting off fireworks in the backyard.
No firearms were found in the house by the AOS and no charges were laid in relation to the incident.
The incident was a "classic example" of what could happen when fireworks are let off at random times, Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said.
