Suspicious package prompts Hamilton bomb scare

Hamilton Police, liasing with the local council and New Zealand Defence Force to secure a suspicious package found in a City park this morning, said the person who found the item did exactly the right thing.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Townsend of the Waikato District Command Centre said Police were notified of the discovery in Melville Park about 9am.

“A Hamilton City Council groundsman found the suspicious package in the female toilets of Melville Park, off Normandy Ave, and raised the alarm.

“As a result Police responded by cordoning off the area to await the arrival of a defence force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Auckland who will examine the package and advise us what, if any, risk the item may pose.”

Mr Townsend said incidents involving suspicious packages occur from time to time and emergency services have to take appropriate steps to keep the public safe.

“Our advice to anyone who may find a suspicious package is not to approach or move it but to remove themselves to a safe distance and ring 111.

The agencies involved in managing such incidents have well practised systems to deal with them and minimise the risk to themselves or to the public.”

Mr Townsend said Police were keen to speak to anyone who may have information on who may have been responsible for this morning’s incident.

“We would ask that anyone with any information contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 or alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

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