High-risk explosive substance found in Burnside, Christchurch; residents told to evacuate

Police cordoned off Sheffield Cres in Burnside, Christchurch, after a high-risk explosive substance was found. Photo / Anna Leask

Residents were told to evacuate around a road in the Christchurch suburb of Burnside after a “high-risk explosive substance” was found.

Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said police were called to the scene in the vicinity of Sheffield Cres about 2.20pm.

“Police were alerted to a concerning substance,” he said.

People were asked to avoid the area and an increased police presence was in place while the substance was removed.

In a later update, police said the cordons had been lifted.

“The substance has been made safe and police will be making further routine inquiries.”

Burnside residents were told to evacuate on Thursday afternoon after a "high-risk explosive" was found. Photo / Supplied

Burnside residents received an emergency alert advising them to “immediately evacuate” around Sheffield Cres because of a “high-risk explosive substance”.

A reporter on the scene said a fire engine and a police chemical van were at the scene.

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