Flares spark search near Nelson

A prankster is believed to have been behind two flares which sparked a search near Nelson last night.

The distress beacons prompted a flurry of calls to emergency services shortly before 8.30.

Police and the coastguard launched a search and rescue effort near Rabbit Island but found no signs of a vessel in trouble.

Search and Rescue spokesman Dave Colville says they now believe the parachute flares were set off over land.

- Newstalk ZB