Roads reopen after armed police deal with 'suspicious item' at property in Auckland's East Coast Bays

Cordons have been lifted at a property in Auckland's East Coast Bays after a suspicious package was "made safe".

Roads in Murrays Bay were closed off and residents escorted out after a suspicious item was found by police and the Armed Offenders Squad while they were executing a search warrant on Wednesday morning.

"Sunrise Avenue has now reopened and residents able to return to their properties," Waitematā detective inspector Kevin McNaughton confirmed around 11am.

"The suspicious item located by police earlier this morning at the Sunrise Avenue property has now been made safe."

Roads reopen after armed police deal with 'suspicious item' at property in Auckland's East Coast Bays
Photo credit: Google Maps

He said police were aware of traffic issues in the area as a result of the operation, and acknowledged the community's cooperation.

"Area staff have been liaising with local schools near the cordons and police ensured all students were able to get into school safely this morning."

Police will remain at the property on Sunrise Ave while they continue the investigation. They are being assisted by occupants of the property, Det Insp McNaughton said.

Roads reopen after armed police deal with 'suspicious item' at property in Auckland's East Coast Bays
Photo credit: Newshub

Police announced the closure of Sunrise Ave between Wisteria Way and East Coast Rd earlier on Wednesday after they found the suspicious item.

Officers were pictured outside the property and armed throughout the operation.

Local high school Rangitoto College remained open, as did Murrays Bay Intermediate although they advised students to take alternative routes to school.

Murrays Bay Primary School posted: "police have advised there is no immediate threat to our community".