Auckland CBD streets cordoned off over 'item of concern'

A police car partially blocks off Quay St in downtown Auckland (Billy Paine / Newshub.)
A police car partially blocks off Quay St in downtown Auckland (Billy Paine / Newshub.)

A "small controlled explosion" has been carried out in Auckland CBD following a bomb scare in the downtown suburb of Britomart.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) deployed a bomb disposal bot in the heart of downtown Auckland, after "an item of concern" was reported.

Police have since revealed that the item was a small suitcase perched behind a rubbish bin on the corner of Quay St and Gore St.

Twitter user Emily West claimed to have heard the explosion and said there was "an acrid smell in the air" as she stood on Quay St.

Police say they will now "carry out further investigations" into the incident.

Officers remain at the scene, and warned there may be "some disruption" for motorists - though the roads have now been reopened.

Auckland CBD streets cordoned off over 'item of concern'

A police car on Gore St in downtown Auckland (Kim Choe / Newshub.)

Police have expressed their gratitude to retailers, drivers and pedestrians for their patience.

Earlier, police told motorists to avoid the area completely after a cordon was set up along Quay St, between Britomart Pl and Commerce St. Gore St had also been closed off down to Tyler St.

Auckland CBD streets cordoned off over 'item of concern'

An officer on the corner of Commerce St and Qauy St (Kim Choe / Newshub.)

Newshub.