Friday, 28 March 2003 - 4:49pm |
National News

Hoax activity and further letters received

1 min read

Noon today passed without any significant incidents in Auckland or Wellington, Assistant Commissioner Jon White, said today.

&#34A number of phone calls were received purporting to be bomb warnings in Wellington and Auckland but all proved to be false alarms and it is not believed that any were related to the recent terrorist threats.

&#34In Auckland the New Zealand Herald received two letters. The letters were similar in tone and style to previous letters. The contents are being analysed but cyanide was present.

&#34I can indicate that the wording reaffirms threats made against US, British and Australian interests in New Zealand.

&#34Without further analysis, Police are reluctant to reveal further details. The letter does, however, make threats against food and drink products.

&#34Police would remind the public of earlier advice concerning the need to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity and check food and beverage sources.

&#34Nevertheless, Police advice is that people should continue to go about their normal business. If they do see anything suspicious, call 111 or if they have information of interest to the investigation team then call 0800THREAT (0800 847328) or email www.police.govt.nz,&#34 said Assistant Commissioner White.

Public health advice is available on the Ministry of Health website at http://www.health.govt.nz/ and information on food product matters can be found on the New Zealand Food Standards Authority website at http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/index.htm