Christchurch man arrested for bomb threat in Sydenham

On March 24, 2025, a bomb threat in the Sydenham area of Christchurch caused significant concern. Police responded quickly to reports of the threat at a Percival Street address around 10:40 am. A 100-meter cordon was established, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses. The threat triggered a strong police presence, including officers and a police dog. Several evacuees shared their worries about the situation, as they waited for updates. One resident, Leon, said he was instructed to evacuate to Colombo Street for safety. Businesses along Colombo Street also evacuated their staff and customers. A local shop owner reported hearing rumors about a potential bomb. She mentioned that they were told to leave quickly and move at least 100 meters away. A cafe worker named Aidan Mytton described the experience as scary, though he felt safer knowing everyone had evacuated. Another business owner highlighted the number of police officers present, stating that many people were left waiting and worried about when they could return to their properties. As the situation unfolded, uncertainly lingered among those affected.