Two people have been arrested after an explosive device was found at a property in Redwood.

As first reported by Chris Lynch Media police conducted searches at two properties Tuesday on Grimseys Road.

Last night, a police spokesman confirmed they had found a suspicious item.

Residents contacted Chris Lynch Media after being told they were unable to return to their houses because of police cordons.

After confirming the object was safe, police removed roadblocks at around 7pm.

A 41 year-old man was detained at the location and was expected to appear in the Christchurch District Court today accused of illegal possession of an improvised explosive device.

A 38-year-old woman was also charged with the same offence and will appear in court at a later date.

A police spokesman said “we understand events like these can be distressing.

However police are treating this as an isolated incident and do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community.”