Christchurch Police arrest man for alleged bomb threat in Sydenham area, properties evacuated

A bomb threat in Sydenham, Christchurch, prompted evacuations and a large police presence on Monday, March 24, 2025. A few hours after the threat, police arrested a man in Christchurch for allegedly making the call.

Police quickly responded to reports of threats at a Percival Street address around 10:40 am New Zealand time, establishing a 100-meter cordon and evacuating nearby residents and businesses. Several residents and business owners, who were unsure when they could return to their properties, voiced their concern over the bomb threat

A resident of Tennyson Street, identified as Leon, reported being informed by police about a bomb threat and instructed to evacuate to Colombo Street.


Businesses located on Colombo Street near the incident were also evacuated. One shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said there had been rumours circulating about a potential bomb in the area.

"We were told to evacuate the building as quickly as possible and go at least 100 metres away and that was all the information we'd heard," the shop owner said.

Aidan Mytton, a cafe worker who was evacuated, described the situation as scary. "I've never had to experience anything like this before. It's a little frightening I guess but everyone's evacuated so that make me feel a bit safer."

Another business owner, who also chose to remain anonymous, said she observed at least a dozen police officers and a police dog at the scene. "Quite a lot of us just standing round on Colombo St evacuated, it's been going on for over an hour now," she stated.

She added that people were worried about their properties and were seeking information about the unfolding events. A cafe owner expressed uncertainty about when they would be permitted to return to their establishment.