Fake sticks of dynamite spark bomb scare

Some discarded fake sticks of dynamite which had been part of a party costume resulted in a major central Christchurch security alert today.

A large section of central Christchurch was cordoned off after a "suspicious item" was discovered in a rubbish bin in an alleyway between the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Cashel Street and the Inland Revenue Department building.

Police said that a Labour Department explosives and bomb inspector had deemed the item to be "very suspicious" and an Army bomb unit despatched to the scene which had been cordoned off.

However, before they arrived a man in his late 20s rang police, telling them that the night before he had been to a bad taste party with an imitation bomb.

When in town, he had not been allowed into any establishments with it, so he had disposed of the imitation bomb in a bin.

It was discovered there around 9am today. Three inner city blocks were cordoned off and the area evacuated, including two hotels.

Emergency services including police, NZ Defence Force and ambulance were deployed and involved up to 40 staff.

Inspector John Doherty of Christchurch police said the man had come forward and was assisting police with their enquiries. He said any criminal or civil liability will be looked into at a later date.

All cordons have now been lifted.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB