Explosive in car like 'home-made firecracker'

An explosive device found in a car in south Auckland last night was like "a home made firecracker", say police.

Police cordoned off Princes St East in Otahuhu and evacuated about 50 homes in the Seaside Park-Brady Rd area after being told of a possible bomb in an abandoned car about 5.30pm.

Residents were allowed back to their homes about two hours later after the police bomb squad removed the explosive device and moved it to a safe location.

"Early investigations and analysis of the bomb indicate it was an unsophisticated device and was described as being similar to a home made fire cracker," Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Jones of Counties Manukau said.

"It could not have caused damage to the surrounding residential area."

Mr Jones said police were first made aware of the car a couple of days ago when a neighbour reported it as suspicious.

"Police checked to see if the vehicle was registered stolen but it wasn't and there were no indications the vehicle required any further police action," he said.

"Yesterday was the first time police were alerted that the vehicle needed further examination."

Police inquiries are continuing but nobody has been arrested or charged. Anyone with information is asked to call police.

- NZPA