Manawatū Prison is in lockdown after a bomb threat was made this morning. 

Deputy general manager of Manawatū Prison Shane Petersen said the decision was made as a precaution after a threatening phone call was made to police. 

“Just before 9am, police notified the prison that a person had called them to suggest a bomb was on site at the prison,” Petersen said. 

“The prison was immediately locked down for searches to be conducted and police are currently on site. 

“The safety and security of the prison is our priority. We take threats to the operation and security of our facilities very seriously and have detailed protocols for dealing with incidents of this nature.” 

A police spokesperson said they were in attendance at the prison after receiving a call at about 8.40am reporting a threat. 

More to come