Cordons on Auckland’s North Shore have been lifted after police earlier responded to reports a person found two canisters of phosphorus.

Police were called to an address on Beach Rd in Murray’s Bay about 5.25pm after the discovery and assessed the items.

A police spokesperson said they had advised the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

“Cordons have been put in place and members of the public are advised to avoid the area,” police said.

“The canisters will be disposed of properly at the scene.”

In an update shortly after 8pm, police said the incident had been resolved and the cordon had been fully lifted.

“With a 350-metre exclusion zone for safety, the canisters were disposed of properly at the scene.

“Police would like to thank the public for their cooperation.”

One resident nearby took to social media saying they heard the canisters being blown up.

“Decent bang around Murray’s Bay followed by a small white cloud,” the person said.

The Herald has approached NZDF for comment.