White powder found in mail

Timaru Police are investigating an incident in which white powder was discovered in mail items being sorted at the New Zealand Post mail centre in Treneglos Street, Waskdyke this morning.

A worker at the centre noticed the powder while sorting mail about 7.15 this morning. In accordance with company protocols, Police were notified.

A number of items of mail have been sent for analysis to try and identify the substance.

Five New Zealand Post staff were decontaminated by the Fire Service and were taken to Timaru Hospital, along with other workers in the building, for observation.

These measures were taken as a precaution only and no-one was injured.