Work and Income offices in Christchurch reopen after threat made

Canterbury Police were alerted shortly before 12 noon (5 February 2016) that a man had made verbal threats to security staff outside the Work and Income office in Linwood that he would return with a firearm.

Acting District Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Read, says the man had left the scene shortly before Police arrived at around 12 noon. “Police spoke to the man on the phone and met with him shortly after 1.30pm”

The man is being formally interviewed this afternoon.

“Police would like to reassure members of the public that no firearm was sighted by the security staff and nor was one located during a search of a residential property” explained Detective Superintendent Peter Read.

No one was injured and the Linwood Work and Income office remained closed while Police spoke to staff and located the person who made the threats.

The Ministry of Social Development closed other offices in Canterbury as a precaution today and they have now all reopened.

Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. Police would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and Work and Income staff for their help.

ENDS

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