Nelson man stabbed to death

Armed police, screaming and road blocks were witnessed near the scene of a fatal stabbing in Nelson last night.

Police launched a homicide inquiry after a man died from stab wounds in the city shortly before 9pm. Police said in a statement that officers were called to the incident at a Nile St address, where the victim was found deceased.

Neighbours described seeing police officers carrying guns, hearing a woman screaming and roads blocked off near the property, between Harper St and Tory St.

Nicholas Knight witnessed the incident and said it was "intense".

He was on the street and described seeing armed police storm into a property.

"[There are] heaps of cops coming to house...wow this is intense...can hear some poor chick screaming and crying," he said on Facebook.

He then saw police dog squads and an ambulance arrive before other officer sped away in patrol cars. The property was later "taped off" and road blocks stopping traffic enter parts of the street.

A St John spokeswoman said paramedics were called to the scene but the patient was deceased on arrival.

Police said in a statement that one person was taken into custody and several people were assisting with inquiries.

No further information about the incident would be released until the morning, said a Police spokeswoman.