Hoax tsunami warning sparks police investigation

07:49, Sep 30 2022
Residents in a Dunedin suburb allegedly received a fake tsunami warning from a teenager with a loudhailer.
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Residents in a Dunedin suburb allegedly received a fake tsunami warning from a teenager with a loudhailer.

Police are investigating after a teenager allegedly drove around a city suburb broadcasting a fake tsunami warning through a loudhailer.

Residents of low-lying South Dunedin reported a vehicle driving around streets and someone urging them to move to higher ground, talking of a level five tsunami alert.

The incident, which unfolded about 9.30pm on Thursday, sparked a police investigation, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said.

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With no confirmed tsunami, police issued a public statement saying it was a hoax.

They later tracked a vehicle, and its 18-year-old driver to a Jackson St address.

The teenager admitted to driving and playing loud music but denied mentioning the tsunami.

The investigation continues.