Tauranga bomb scare

A bomb scare at Tauranga Police Station tonight ended about 7.30 when the Auckland Bomb Squad blew a suspicious-looking briefcase apart.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Saunders said the station, and several neighbouring properties, were evacuated at 4.45pm when a member of the public brought a suspicious briefcase into the station after finding it at his home.

Eight prisoners at the station were relocated to Mount Maunganui station.

Streets around the police station were also cordoned off.

Normal operations were run from Mount Maunganui Police Station while the Tauranga station was closed.

"Police are well aware of the inconvenience this type of incident causes and very much appreciate the patience and co-operation of nearby residents and the motoring public over the three hours," Mr Saunders said.

Inquiries were continuing and police were not prepared to say what was contained in the briefcase other than it was not explosive material.

- NZPA