Armed police block off streets in Tauranga

Armed police at a cordon in Parkvale this morning. Photo / Sandra Conchie

Armed police swooped on a Parkvale home this morning.

A police spokeswoman said officers were conducting pre-planned search warrants and the Armed Offenders Squad was assisting uniformed officers "as a precaution".

"It was a bit scary," a resident said. Photo / Sandra Conchie

A reporter at the scene said armed uniformed officers were manning cordons on Fraser St, near the intersections with Wembury Grove and Harrier St, and traffic was being turned away.

Police concentrated their efforts on a property near the intersection of Esk St and Fraser St.

Armed Offenders Squad officers with guns were seen standing on the road near the property and police dogs could also be heard barking.

The reporter also saw a police officer walking out of the house carrying what appeared to be two rifles and placing them into the boot of a police car.

A woman trying to visit her daughter who lived nearby said seeing armed police with these types of weapons was concerning, especially after the recent changes to gun control laws.

Another resident who was held up said she was anxious she would be late for work.

"It was a bit scary."

Another nearby resident said she was woken by police using a loud hailer about 6am.

The cordons were lifted about 7.30am. The Armed Offenders Squad left and a team of uniformed police continued to search the house.

A police spokeswoman said inquiries were ongoing.

Further information about the results of the operation were not available at this time, she said.