Fears that \u2018\u2018one of Trumpy\u2019s missiles might have went the wrong direction\u2019\u2019 spread through Waikouaiti after a loud \u2018\u2018boom\u2019\u2019 rattled windows and floorboards yesterday.<\/p>\n
A Waikouaiti resident said he was at his home near the beach when the \u2018\u2018boom\u2019\u2019 rang out at about 10am.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It shook the ground here \u2014 police were everywhere.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
He said residents had not received warning that someone was going to be letting off an explosive, but some local horse trainers had been told to keep their horses away from the area they were working in, because \u2018\u2018there\u2019s going to be a big one\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I don\u2019t know, one of Trumpy\u2019s missiles might have went the wrong direction or something,\u2019\u2019 he said, jokingly.<\/p>\n
A police spokeswoman said officers were notified at 3pm on Thursday a piece of explosive \u2018\u2018ordnance\u2019\u2019 had been found in Waikouaiti area.<\/p>\n
They called in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to assist.<\/p>\n
An NZDF spokesman said the item was investigated and determined to be a quantity of emulsion-based explosive \u2014 typically used for industrial purposes.<\/p>\n
The explosive was removed and disposed of in a safe manner, he said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Anyone who discovers a potentially dangerous item, should always exercise caution until the item is deemed safe by an expert.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018If you do discover something that might be dangerous, remain clear of the item and contact New Zealand police as soon as possible,\u2019\u2019 the spokesman said.<\/p>\n