A man died after being handcuffed by police in Te Puke yesterday and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be investigating the incident.
The man was handcuffed during a police raid at about 8.45am on Manoeka Rd and collapsed due to an apparent "medical event", Bay of Plenty Police communications manager Kim Perks said.
In a statement, Ms Perks said the man was handcuffed because a gun was seen inside the property.
The man, in his 50s, was the sole occupant of the house.
"Although the man appeared verbally agitated, there was no physical struggle," Ms Perks said.