Police continue to make enquiries following a report yesterday of needles found inside strawberries imported from Australia.

'An investigation is underway and we are working in close partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

However, it is too early to comment in any detail about the investigation,” says Detective Superintendent Tim Anderson.

'Anyone who finds anything suspicious in their food is urged to contact local police immediately.

'Reports of this nature will be taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly. From the police perspective, that means witnesses will be spoken to and any items of interest will be taken for forensic testing.

'For example, Whanganui Police received a report of a pin found in takeaway food over the weekend, and while this turned out to be an honest mistake, Police conducted interviews and a scene examination before determining there was no malicious intent.”

Questions specifically related to food safety should be directed to MPI.