Pipe bomb destroys Hawera post box

A pipe bomb planted in a south Taranaki post box has blasted shrapnel and at least 150 shredded letters on neighbouring properties.

The blast occurred about 6pm on Sunday after the bomb was planted in a New Zealand Post box on the corner of Waihi Rd and Pacey Ave in Hawera, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing three cars speeding away just before the explosion.

Nearby resident Mac Sole said the letter box was just ripped open. "They must have used a fair amount of explosives," he said.

The front of the post box was blasted across Waihi Rd and surrounding properties were showered with shrapnel and shredded letters. The explosion was heard over a three kilometre radius throughout Hawera.

Mr Sole said it was lucky no-one was killed.

"There could be a million scenarios - kids going past or someone putting mail in the box," he said.

New Zealand Post spokesman John Tulloch said the box was estimated to have been half full, with at least 150 letters inside.

Police were analysing the letters and it was hoped they would be returned by tomorrow.

People who posted mail in the destroyed post box after 2.30pm on Friday are advised to assume their mail was destroyed.

Mr Tulloch said the destroyed box would not be replaced.

Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett of Hawera police said the explosion was concerning. Anyone with information was urged to contact police.

- NZPA