The Armed Offenders Squad have been spotted in Petone this afternoon as police carry out a search warrant.
A police spokeswoman confirmed armed police were looking for a "person of interest" in relation to an ongoing investigation, and were searching a property in the Lower Hutt seaside suburb.
The police presence has been noticed by locals, who have taken to social media to warn others to give the area a wide berth.
One person said there was a heavy police presence down Beach St, and that the road was blocked off.
