Two Japanese journalists have been arrested after they allegedly tried to break into Christchurch Hospital, according to reports.
The reporters were trying to interview earthquake victims, the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) says.
The incident, which happened overnight, was referred to police and the pair were subsequently arrested, a CDHB spokeswoman told NZPA.
Takashi Ato, first secretary for culture and information at the Japanese embassy in Wellington, said he was "very surprised" to hear the news.
"I'm not sure how much they were aware of the special zone," he told the New Zealand National Business Review.
He said he had no information regarding the arrests.
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