Earlier this afternoon Police received a report of an old mortar shell located at a residential property in Pukenui Road, Epsom.
Nearby properties have been evacuated as a precaution and Police advise members of the public to avoid the area while the incident is resolved.
New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are on scene.
Further updates will be provided when available.
UPDATE – Cordons stood down, Epsom
The cordons in place on Pukenui Road, Epsom have been stood down for the evening.
Police and the New Zealand Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit responded to a report of an old mortar shell located at a residential property at around 5:15pm.
The EOD unit were unable to remove the item this evening, however precautions have been put in place to mitigate any risk.
Temporary accommodation has been sourced for the occupiers of the effected property, and all other residents are now able to safely return to their homes.
Police and the EOD team will return in the morning, and cordons will be reinstated to allow the EOD team to dispose of the item safely.
A scene guard will be in place at the effected property overnight.
Police thank members of the public for their patience while we work to resolve the incident safely.
Let’s hope that no one in David Seymour’s electorate mistake the same for a rugby ball, and begin tossing and kicking it about with the high hope of appearing on ‘Dancing With The Stars’,..!