Police 'misplace' body armour

Lower Hutt officers lost two sets of body armour after they seized a number of weapons in a callout late on Saturday night. File photo / NZ Herald

Police have accidentally "misplaced" two sets of bullet proof body armour at the scene of a firearms incident in Lower Hutt.

Inspector Mike Hill said officers lost the body armour after they seized a number of weapons in a callout late on Saturday night.

They had to empty their boot to fit in the confiscated weapons safely, he said.

"As they have put items back into the boot, two sets of bullet proof body armour have been left in St James Grove in Boulcott."

Inspector Hall said he had launched an internal investigation into the officers' actions and notified the Independent Police Complaints Authority.

He appealed for anyone in the Boulcott area who had seen the discarded body armour to come forward to police.

"I am really disappointed that that this unfortunate incident has occurred."

To give information on the lost body armour call 04 560 2600 or Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

- Herald Online