Two devices found near a man’s body adjacent to an Auckland motorway were viable pipe bombs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau CIB told Stuff police were continuing the investigation into a man’s sudden death near Highbrook.

His body was discovered on a walkway adjacent to the Southern Motorway before lunchtime yesterday.

Police at the scene on Auckland’s Southern Motorway. (Stuff)

Two devices recovered near the man’s body had since been determined to be viable pipe bombs.

“These devices would have been capable of causing death or serious injury to any individual in proximity,” Hayward said.

“Thanks to specialist assistance at the scene, these devices were safely removed and have since been destroyed.”

He said there was no wider risk to the public.

A post-mortem examination was being completed today on the man. The scene examination was expected to be completed this afternoon.

The southbound lanes on the Southern Motorway, between Mount Wellington Highwy and Highbrook Drive, were closed for several hours on Tuesday afternoon due to the incident.

“Given the scene’s proximity to a major state highway, it was imperative that the area was made safe before proceeding,” Hawyward said.

This article has been reproduced with permission from Stuff.co.nz.