Cordons in place after mortar bomb found

Police have cordoned off an area of Hamilton after a piece of unexploded ordnance was found by house movers this morning.

Senior Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly said police were called to a Willoughby St address about 10.40am, after workers removing a house discovered the device under a drainage pipe.

"The item was left in situ while immediate neighbours were evacuated to a safe area. The cordon currently in place is the area between the intersections of Willoughby, Richmond and Abbotsford Streets."

Mr O'Reilly said at first glance the ordnance appears to be a mortar round but a Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team heading down from Auckland would confirm if this was the case and whether the item is inert or not.

"Until they have given us the all clear the area will remain cordoned off and we're asking people to stay away from the area of concern," he said.

"We've spoken to nearby play centres and a school who have been asked to contact parents and advise them of the situation and the possible need for alternative arrangements to uplift children."