Man accused of attacking traffic lights with axe

A man armed with an axe smashed three central Nelson traffic light signal boxes yesterday afternoon.

Police used pepper spray to disarm the 60-year-old, The Nelson Mail reported.

The man repeatedly hit the pedestrian signal boxes with the axe, knocking them off their posts, Sergeant Tod Kirker of Nelson police said.

The attack was "unusual" and sparked numerous 111 calls, Mr Kirker said.

The man has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon, criminal damage and disorderly violence.

He was also charged with threatening to kill after an alleged incident earlier in the day.

- NZPA