Armed police block road in Taradale for pre-planned operation

Police on patrol in Taradale with guns and dogs on Friday. Photo / Paul Taylor

Armed police and members of the Armed Offenders Squad have surrounded a property in Taradale on Friday as part of a pre-planned search warrant.

A police communications van and four police cars were seen stationed at the end of Howard Rd while police patrolled the area with guns and dogs.

A witness who lives nearby said they had heard strange noises “like an engine revving” over the past couple of nights around the property.

The witness said police had been active in the area since 9am, but they were unsure if the presence was connected to the same incident.

Another witness said they were informed when trying to get home just after midday that there were reports of a person with a firearm.

“I waited at the cordon about four metres from my driveway while the AOS and K9 (police dog) units arrived. The main contingency of officers were outside a property closer to Murphy Rd.”

After about half an hour the witness spoke with an officer who reassured them there was no way the suspect would be able to flee over neighbouring properties.

“Cordons are in place at each end of Howard Rd as police carry out a preplanned warrant at an address in Taradale,” a police spokesperson said.

The Armed Offenders Squad outside a property in Taradale. Photo / Paul Taylor

The spokesperson confirmed police had been conducting the operation since 11.30am Friday.

“Police are armed as a precaution and advise the public to avoid the area.”

The spokesperson confirmed there was “no risk to the public”.