Armed police have launched an operation in the Auckland suburb of Waterview this afternoon, with a witness at the scene describing calls over a loudspeaker for a person in a property to put their gun down and surrender.
Police have cordoned off an area around Tutuki Street and have an increased presence in the area for the public’s safety.
At about 4.40pm today, shots were heard from Tutuki Street in very quick succession.
About 10 armed officers could be seen inside the cordon, which stretches about 50m each side of the entrance to Tutuki St.
“Great North Road is still open, but we are advising the public to stay clear of cordons at this early stage,” a police spokesperson said.
“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
A resident on Tutuki Street said about 4.30pm that a helicopter has been flying over the area for the past two hours.
“Right outside the house there are about 10 armed offender officers who are looking through their scopes down a driveway at a house,” the resident said.
“I can hear over the loudspeaker they are saying ‘This is the Auckland Armed Offenders Unit, put your gun down and come to the front door with nothing in your hands and you won’t be harmed.’
“There are a couple of cops between a couple of cars, looking down their scopes at the front door of the house.”
One officer at the cordon was telling young children “it’s okay, it’s okay” following the sounds of gunshots.
“We just need everyone to stay as far away as possible,” she said.
Shortly before 4pm police provided an update on the “continuing” operation.
“Police have been trying to engage with an occupant of an address on Tutuki Street,” a police spokesperson said.
“While the police operation is still ongoing, there is currently no wider risk to the public.”
At 4.50pm one ambulance drove through the cordon onto Tutuki St.
A police vehicle marked ‘dog unit’ also rushed through the cordon and sped into Tutuki St.
More to come
Police are seeking information to reunite the medals with their owners.