Mass call-out to cyanide drama

An incident involving a man with cyanide has prompted a mass emergency service call-out to a rural Central Otago property.

Police were called to a Bannockburn property at 6.15am, following calls about a 47-year-old resident, Southern District Command centre co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Dave Scott, said.

"The area was cordoned and the male was located at 8am.''

Police were supported by local fire and ambulance personnel, with "decontamination of the scene and occupant due to the presence of cyanide''

The man was taken to Dunstan Hospital for further assessment, with other agencies expected to be notified, he said.

Police say there is no risk to residents outside of the immediate address. 

The Dunedin-based Hazchem unit was en-route and expected to do a full decontamination of the property.