Suspicious package delt with in Christchurch

At 11am on 5 January 2010 Court staff at the Christchurch District Court found a suspicious package.

As a result, the Court building and surrounding buildings were evacuated and streets for several blocks around the Court building were closed.

Police, New Zealand Defence Force, Fire Service and St John's Ambulance worked to search the building. The suspicious device was made safe.

On analysis at the scene the device was found to contain an inert substance.

The rest of the building was then searched by a Police Specialist Search Team and found to be safe.

Police cordons in the area are expected to be lifted at 3.30pm.