Major police operation under way at Paremoremo prison

There are police cars at every entrance to Auckland Prison at Paremoremo. File photo / NZME

Dozens of police attended Paremoremo prison this morning because they were expecting a "gathering" outside the prison - but it never happened.

A witness who asked not to be named said about twelve police cars were at the maximum security Auckland Prison, covering every entrance.

At nearby Sanders Reserve about 14 police were visible, and a police transporter, a prison van and three police cars were parked up, he said.

Police had been at the prison on the North Shore since at least 8am.

A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said no prisoners had escaped and there was no risk to public safety.

They referred further queries to police as it was a "police operation".

A police spokeswoman this afternoon said police were "aware of a planned gathering outside the site, however it did not eventuate".