P-lab bomb shuts motorway

A policeman in a chemical suit guards the Mangere Bridge house where a bomb and methamphetamine lab was found yesterday. Picture / Kenny Rodger

An Auckland motorway was shut down for more than an hour after police discovered a bomb and a clandestine laboratory at a property yesterday.

The Southwestern Motorway was closed in both directions between Mahunga Drive and Walmsley Rd causing a traffic jam in the area, from around 2pm until 3.20pm.

A Counties Manukau police spokeswoman said a "substantial" incendiary device was found at the Crawford Ave property in Mangere Bridge.

It was decided to close the lanes as the property backs on to the motorway.

The bomb was at a large clandestine laboratory discovered by police early yesterday morning.

The Army bomb disposal unit was called to remove the device.

Precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine and a small amount of the drug were also recovered.

A 37-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were helping police with inquiries.