Farmers urged to check properties after distress reports

Farmers are being urged to check out their properties after reports of a flare or light plane in trouble over the Hamilton area last night.

"Reports vary from a flare to a light aircraft trailing flames disappearing into heavy cloud, reported over Temple View, Ruakura and Eureka," said Senior Sergeant Marcus Lynam.

"There were no reports of aircraft overdue or any emergency beacons being activated and the Civil Aviation Authority closed the file last night but we're asking farmers, as a precaution, to notify police of anything unusual," he said.

- NZPA