Christchurch evacuations: Man in custody after threats made in Sydenham

Police evacuated residents in Christchurch's Sydenham after threats on Tuesday.

A man has been taken into custody seven hours after police cordons were set up in a Christchurch suburb after residents said a mentally ill man made threatening comments.

Police were called to Percival St, Sydenham about 10.40am after reports of a person making threats. Police evacuated residents within 100m of the property as a precaution.

In an update at 5.50pm, police said the man was taken into custody “without incident”.

“The address will now be cleared as a precaution to ensure there is no ongoing risk to the public before cordons are stood down,” Canterbury Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said.

“Police would like to thank the Sydenham community for their patience and understanding as we worked through the afternoon to resolve this safely for all.”

One evacuated resident, who did not want to be named, said she knew the man and understood he was not well.

“Police told me he was making gas threats, but the situation is ongoing,” she said.

Another resident knew of the man and had tried speaking to him in the past about his behaviour.

“He has been giving other folks in this area a hard time, he’s upset quite a few of the ladies ... he’s not getting the help or medication he needs.”

He believed the man was recently evicted from his accommodation and today’s threats were his response.