Christchurch court evacuated

Police have extended a cordon around Christchurch District Court to several city blocks following the discovery of a suspicious device this morning.

The court house and surrounds were evacuated around 11am after a package wrapped up in duct tape and with wires coming from it, was found on level two, David Clarkson of Christchurch Court News website told NZPA.

He believed there was also a phone call to the court house.

Police have taken a dog through the building and the bomb squad is reported to be on its way from Burnham military base.

About 60 people were ordered to leave the building. It is not the first time the court has been subject to a bomb scare.

- NZPA