Police to use 'loud banging' explosives at old school site

Photo: File
Photo: File
A police training exercise involving the use of small explosives has started at a vacant quake-damaged Christchurch high school.

In a letter from police, nearby residents have been warned to expect "loud banging noises" from the use of "small explosive demolitions" at the old Shirley Boys' High School site on North Parade from March 3-7.

"The training will include the use of small explosive demolitions (loud banging noises) that may be heard by members of the public living in the general area," Senior Constable Aaron Butterick said in the letter.

“Please be assured that the detonations will be held within the confines of the site and there is no safety risk to nearby residents.”

Senior Constable Butterick said the exercise will take place between 8am and 5pm.

Police will use “three air horn blasts” to warn the public before any explosives are detonated.

“This is part of our regular training for specialist police groups which runs across the country throughout the year.”

He said the training exercise was a “common occurrence” but could not happen without the community’s support.

A letter about the exercise from police to nearby residents. Photo: Supplied
A letter about the exercise from police to nearby residents. Photo: Supplied