Homemade bomb explodes near police officer

A homemade bomb blew up near a police officer during a search at a property in Feilding.

Police said a man was arrested on Thursday following a tip that he had a prohibited military-style semi-automatic firearm.

An improvised explosive device was found during a later second search.

While the Defence Force's explosive ordnance disposal team were securing the homemade bomb, another detonated near a police officer.

The officer was not injured.

Nearby properties were evacuated while the rest of the property was searched.

A 43-year-old man was due to appear in Palmerston North District Court today on firearms charges.