Armed police operation in Mount Maunganui

Police set up cordons in Mount Maunganui in an attempt to catch a wanted man this afternoon.

Police were seen in the vicinity of Portside Drive, Hull Rd and outside Bayfair mid-afternoon, with reports some officers were armed.

A police spokesperson said police received information that a man with outstanding warrants to arrest was seen driving a vehicle.

"Some cordons were put in place in attempts to stop the male."

She confirmed some of the officers involved were armed.

The cordons have since been stood down, and police were continuing their inquiries to locate the man.