A major police operation occurred this morning in West Auckland, with nearby residents hearing an explosion.
A number of armed officers descended on a Red Hills Rd property in Massey this morning and a section of the street was blocked off.
A Birdwood Rd resident told the Herald she heard an explosion sound from the top of the street.
“I looked on Facebook and found out the police had blocked off Red Hills Rd this morning.”
Another resident who was driving past the street this morning said she saw a house being swarmed by armed officers and a number of police cars about 6.30am.
“More police were arriving, they were just setting up at that time. It doesn’t shock me anymore, this has happened in the same area recently.”
A police spokesperson said officers carried out a pre-planned search warrant at the property.
“The address was contained and police inquiries continue,” a police spokesperson said.
“We won’t be able to comment further while this is ongoing.”
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson said an explosive ordnance disposal team responded to a request for assistance from New Zealand Police in Henderson, Auckland this morning, where an item was identified that appeared to be explosive in nature.
“The item was investigated and discovered to be hazardous and was subsequently disposed of by controlled demolition,” they said.
“If you discover an item that you believe may be dangerous, remain clear of the item and contact NZ Police as soon as possible.”
“Until these items are deemed safe by a subject matter expert, caution should be applied.”
Last month, another police operation was carried out at a property on the same street, where officers were seeking a wanted person.
A number of police cars and an ambulance were also stationed near the house.
A man staying nearby said he heard police calling out to someone inside a home, asking them to come out with their hands raised.
He said he saw several marked and unmarked police cars and an ambulance.
Police were establishing cordons, he said.
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