Shots spark AOS callout, evacuation in Whakatane

Armed police have cordoned off an area of Whakatane this morning after reports of shots being fired.

The Armed Offenders Squad was called out to an area of Golf Links Rd shortly after 9am.

An area near the coastal Whakatane Golf Club has been cordoned off.

A police spokeswoman said officers are carrying out some final "cautionary searches" before standing down.

"It was a report of shots fired. No reports of injuries," she said.

She could not confirm if anyone has been apprehended.

A local resident said there was a lot of police activity, but didn't know what it was all about.

More details will follow.