Man found with firearm arrested in Christchurch after schools forced into lockdown

A police spokeswoman said the schools were in lockdown as a precaution from 2.55pm to 3.15pm, as police dealt with a "firearms incident". Photo / File

A man has been arrested and three possible offenders are on the run in Christchurch after a "firearms incident" caused schools to be locked down.

A police spokesman said the man was arrested in Bishopdale after police were called at 2.11pm today to an incident at a property on Chedworth Ave.

Four schools were in lockdown.

A police spokeswoman said the schools were in lockdown as a precaution, as police dealt with a "firearms incident", which has since been resolved.

Police said when they were confident there was no threat to the schools, the lockdown action was lifted.

One offender was located with a stolen firearm at 3pm. Three other possible offenders are being sought by police.

Cordons at the scene have now been lifted.