Evacuation centre set up in Nelson South after suspicious item, alleged threat

The bomb squad has been called and an evacuation centre set up in Nelson South after a report of a suspicious item.

Police were called about 5.20pm and alerted that an item had been left at a Waimea Rd property and an alleged threat made.

Several houses in the area have been cleared as a precaution, and a cordon has been put in place.

The Defence Force also confirmed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team had been called.

Diversion in place at the intersection of Waimea Rd and Van Dieman St. Photo / Elaine Barling

“A number of homes in the area, including a section of Waimea Road and Renwick Place, have been evacuated as a precaution,” a police spokesperson said.

“Anyone affected can now go to Victory Community Centre at 2 Totara Street, Nelson South, Nelson, which has been set up as a temporary evacuation centre.”

Lianne Farrow was taking her son to an appointment on Waimea Rd when she heard “sirens going off” and saw police at the doctors’ across the road.

“And then as I was looking across about seven or eight people, adults came out of the doctors.”

She said everyone evacuated in a calm manner.

“So, yeah, I couldn’t make heads or tails of what was going on.

“Nothing was really given away, or no one was in a rush or looked serious.”

As Farrow was leaving, she saw three police cars heading towards the orthodontist where she was, she said.

Diversions are in place at the intersection of Waimea Rd and Van Dieman St, and Waimea Rd and Bronte St.

Diversions are in place at the intersection of Waimea Rd and Van Dieman St, and Waimea Rd and Bronte St. Photo / Elaine Barling

People are advised to take an alternate route and to avoid the area if possible.

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