White powder incident in Christchurch

At 0630hrs on the 28 January 2008, Police were alerted that white powder has been located in a container outside the entrance to the Barrington Street Mall, Christchurch.

Police have cordoned off Athelstan Street. Police Fire and the Army are in attendance. It is likely that the area will be cordoned for at least another hour.

No one has been decontaminated at this stage.
It us unknown what the substance is.