Police exercise in full swing at old high school

Members of the police special tactics group during an exercise in Shirley today. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Police have been using explosives today as part of their armed training exercise at a vacant quake-damaged Christchurch school.

The exercise at the vacant Shirley Boys’ High School grounds on North Parade, Shirley, is taking place from 8am to 5pm and will finish on Saturday 7 March.

Police to use 'loud banging' explosives at old school site

Said a police spokesperson: "Our teams undertake this type of tactical training regularly across the country to ensure they have opportunities to practice their skills, and remain prepared for live incident responses.

The special tactics group force their way into an abandoned building at Shirley Boys' High. Photo: Geoff Sloan

"This training has been planned for some months and will be undertaken in Canterbury due to availability of buildings.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area, and this will include staff carrying firearms.

"Members of the public may hear breaking glass and some loud bangs coming from the venue. Police would like to reassure residents that there is no cause for alarm."