Christchurch Airport evacuated after ‘explosive device’ found inside passenger’s bag

CHRISTCHURCH Airport has been evacuated after a suspected explosive device was found inside a passenger’s bag. The Aviation Security Service has said that “item of interest” was found by staff while they were screening baggage at 8am in New Zealand. GettyTraffic control tower at Christchurch Airport[/caption] Police were called and the area was soon isolated – with hundreds of holidaymakers evacuated from the building. The New Zealand bomb disposal unit soon arrived onto the scene and dozens of flights have now been cancelled. Security staff are currently using sniffer dogs to “comb” the airport. A police spokesperson said: “An item of interest has been located at Christchurch Airport,” the spokesperson said. “Police were made aware around 8am. The domestic terminal is in the process of being evacuated as a precaution.” A spokesperson for Christchurch Airport wrote on Twitter: “Our terminal is currently evacuated while Aviation Security and Police deal with an incident. “We will provide updated details when possible.” Most read in News TAXING TIMES PM’s huge social care tax hikes PASS in Commons - here’s what it means for you RUN HOME TO MA'AM Andrew's lunch with Queen as he flees to Balmoral to avoid sex papers COURT DASH Manhunt launched after defendant sprints from court and flees 'covered in blood' OUT WITH A BANG Britain's heatwave dramatically ends as thunderstorms sweep entire country 'FREELOADERS' Fury as tourists pitch tents at seaside hotspot to 'avoid accommodation cost' SHOW OF DEFIANCE Powerful moment Afghan woman stares down barrel of Taliban militant’s gun