Murray’s Bay: Explosion heard as police, Defence Force respond to canisters on North Shore

Residents have reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a cloud of white smoke after police were called to reports a person had found two canisters of phosphorus on Auckland’s North Shore.

Police were called to an address on Beach Rd, Murray’s Bay, about 5.25pm after the discovery and assessed the items. The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were advised and attended.

A 350-metre exclusion zone was put in place for safety as the items were disposed of at the scene.

Cordons were fully lifted shortly after 8pm and police said the incident had been resolved.

A NZDF spokesperson said they inspected and destroyed two “marine marker flares” on site.

One nearby resident told the Herald the NZDF controlled the explosion to angle over the beach and into the water.

“A huge boom [was] heard from the beach up to Rangitoto College at 7.20pm.”

Another took to social media saying they heard the items being blown up.

“Decent bang around Murray’s Bay followed by a small white cloud,” the person said.

Police earlier advised members of the public to avoid the area.