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SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
SH3 along Northgate in New Plymouth has been closed by police due to an alleged bomb threat at Waiwaka Tce in Strandon.
Traffic is in chaos in New Plymouth after police cordoned off the main north route into the city following an alleged bomb threat.
Multiple police units are present in the Waiwaka Tce area and Northgate where State Highway 3 is closed, with detours in place, causing multiple delays.
Waiwaka Tce has been blocked at all entrances following reports of a suspicious package on the terrace just before 2pm.
The New Zealand Defense Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been briefed and will assist.
Waiwaka Tce residents were seen leaving their houses with bags, while people were also denied entry back to Waiwaka Tce.
The street is close to two secondary schools: Sacred Heart Girls ‘College and New Plymouth Girls’ High School and an elementary school: St John Bosco School.
A resident has reported that children in the after-school nursery at the school could not leave because the school was closed.
Traffic is drifting, causing chaos at the Fitzroy, Devon St East and Coronation Ave traffic lights.
Northgate is the main northern route into and out of New Plymouth.
More to come.