Police training exercise in Christchurch's redzone

12:19 pm on 28 July 2012

Police in Christchurch are using parts of the city's abandoned red zone properties for tactical training exercises this weekend.

Residents in Queensbury Street, in the suburb of Burwood, are being warned they may hear gun shots or pyrotechnic explosions for short periods on Saturday as part of the exercises.

Police tactical commander Inspector Steve Mather says the exercises simulate the use of firearms and small explosives to gain entry into houses.

He says the police have used other red-zone locations for training before as it provides a realistic environment for staff to test their skills.

Inspector Mather says up to a dozen explosives may be used during the exercises and the police are using locations where there are very few occupied homes nearby.