Parliamentary Office Space Reopens After Powder Incident

New Zealand Police National News Release
6:27pm 14 August 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4229

Initial tests indicate that the powder mailed to Parliament Buildings yesterday is safe and very unlikely to pose a risk to staff members who came in contact with it.

Three staff members in the Executive Wing and a Parliamentary Security officer have suffered no ill effects, and the office space has been reopened.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell, Wellington CIB, said ESR tests on the as yet unidentified powder have indicated no chemicals. The full test regime is likely to be completed within a few days.

"Initial results indicate the substance is very unlikely to pose a risk. Clothing seized as a precautionary measure has now been returned to owners."

Police are making no comment on the origin of the envelope or what it contained. A full forensic examination will be concluded as soon as possible.

ENDS

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