Armed police in Whakamarama, Ohauiti

Photo/file

UPDATED 10:03am: A carpark between Poike Rd's Change Point Early Learning Centre and Change Point Church appeared to have been used as a temporary gathering point for a squad of armed police around 8am today.

Witnesses saw a number of police vehicles including what looked like a communications van, and members of the armed offenders squad.

Police left the carpark shortly after 8am.

EARLIER: At least two Western Bay properties have been raided by police this morning.

Reports have come in to the Bay of Plenty Times of police raiding a property in Whakamarama this morning.

Witnesses in Ohauiti said armed police described as a 'swat unit' were also operating on Poike Rd this morning.

A northern police communications spokesman confirmed police had performed a search warrant on a property in Whakamarama.

Tauranga police Senior Sergeant Eddie Lyttle would not comment on either matter, as the incident was being dealt with by local detectives.