New Zealand capital caught by bomb scare

New Zealand police detonated a suspected package in downtown capital city of Wellington on Wednesday while the investigation is going on.

Police cordoned off Lambton Quay road near 3 p.m. and evacuated people from nearby office buildings and shops before sending a bomb disposal robot to detonate the suspected package around 4 p.m.

A large bang was heard at the cordon during the police operation.

Those within the cordon were told to assemble on the street and stay away from windows and the public were advised to shun the area.

Police or government agencies did not elaborate on the nature of the incident.

The affected area was reopened to pedestrians and traffic after police took the evidence and photo on site.

One witness told local media that said everyone in his office had been told to leave their work stations immediately and exit the building.

A man who was in a shoe store said police came in and told everyone to leave due to "a bomb threat."

Some bus services in the town were disrupted and have to reroute through other streets. Endit