Due to a police incident North Parade is currently closed between North Avon Rd and New Brighton Rd.
A man has died from stab wounds after a protracted standoff with armed police in a Christchurch suburban street.
Police are now investigating whether the dead man had any link to the March 15 mosque attacks.
The 54-year-old man had been sought in relation to a firearms incident yesterday, policesaid in a statement.
After a tipoff from a member of the public a search warrant was executed at a St Martins property late yesterday - police discovered a cache of firearms.
The man was located by police in a stopped vehicle in the Richmond Park area about 12.30am this morning.
The Police Negotiation Team spoke with the man for several hours. The Eagle helicopter and armed offenders squad members were also at the scene.
"At around 3.40am police approached the vehicle and discovered the man critically injured with what appeared to be a stab wound. A knife was located in the vehicle.
"Immediate first aid was provided however the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The man's vehicle was examined by the NZDF Explosive Ordnance Squad as a precaution and has been deemed safe. There were no firearms in the vehicle.
"Members of the public who heard what they thought were explosions were hearing Police deploying gas at the scene."
Police said a high priority investigation was underway to determine whether or not the dead man posed a threat to the community.
This will include further searches of Christchurch properties and interviews with family and associates.
"At this time there is no evidence to suggest this person had any involvement in the attacks of 15 March, however this forms an important part of the investigation.
"We are grateful to those who alerted police on this occasion and encourage people to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something. Call 111 immediately if you see anything of any concern."
There will be a continued police presence in the Richmond Park and St Martins areas, as scene examinations continue. Police would like to thank residents in those areas for their cooperation.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
Residents woke to sound of explosions
Residents in the quiet suburban Christchurch street earlier told the Herald they awoke to the sounds of explosions in an incident that ended when armed police dragged a man out of a damaged vehicle.
Residents in Poulton Ave, Richmond, said armed police had been in the street for four hours. They have been to told to remain in their homes.
A silver Mitsubishi Pajero SUV vehicle remained parked in the street this morning - the driver's window, rear driver's window and rear window are all smashed.
Neighbours say a man was dragged out of the vehicle.
The scene in Poulton Avenue. Photo / Dean Purcell
Poulton Ave resident Joanna Qereqeretabua woke at around 3.30am to shouts of, "Get out of the car!".
There were then shouts of, "Police! Police!"
She looked out her window and saw a silver Mitsubishi Pajero SUV with its side lights on.
There were soon armed police and dogs in the area.
"I soon realised it was a SWAT team and they began marching down the road. There were also police cars at the end of the road, and spikes, but there was no police chase so I don't know how they found out this person was in a car at the end of the road."
A forensics team has arrived and is examining the silver Mitsubishi Pajero. Photo / Amber Allott
She said the car was parked in the centre of the road, near the park.
"I went back inside, and shortly after I heard police saying 'come out with your hands up'.
"About 3am I heard the police dogs starting to bark really loudly like there was something going on, I then heard two shots.
"About 10 minutes later the SWAT team carried this person and plonked them on the road outside my bedroom window. They did medical attention.
"There is blood on the road outside my house, but the crime scene has now been cleared," she said.
