Security threat at Canterbury University

A building at Canterbury University has been evacuated after an anonymous security threat was received.

Christchurch police say they were notified about a non-specific threat against the university on Tuesday afternoon.

The university's central library has been cleared and a search of the area is under way.

Police will be maintaining a low-key security presence at the university throughout the afternoon.

Police say they don't know if the threat is genuine, but they are taking appropriate precautions.

The university is hosting Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at a function on Tuesday evening, where he will present the Anzac of the Year award to the Student Volunteer Army.