Postal workers affected by powder addressed to police

Police are investigating an incident that put four postal workers in hospital briefly for observation after white powder spilled from an envelope at New Zealand Post's Christchurch Mail Centre.

A police spokeswoman confirmed today the envelope had been addressed to the police.

Four women NZ Post employees were decontaminated by the Fire Service hazardous substances unit and taken to hospital for observation after the powder spill about 9.20pm yesterday.

NZ Post spokesman Richard McLean told NZPA a couple of the workers reported eye irritations and all four were checked at hospital as a precaution.

He said some mail deliveries may have been delayed around Christchurch today "but nothing major".

The police spokeswoman said the substance had been sent for analysis.

- NZPA