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Two people have left the address of a suspected hostage situation in Nelson, as police continue work to “peacefully resolve” the incident.
Emergency services were initially called to an address on Motueka St at 10.15am today, after reports of a family harm-related incident.
Four people were in the house atthe time and cordons were put in place in the surrounding area as a precaution. Several schools, as well as Nelson Hospital, were thrust into lockdown.
In an update shortly after 5pm, Tasman’s district commander, Superintendent Tracey Thompson, said two people have left the address since police responded this morning.
“Both are reported to be uninjured, with one being transported to hospital by ambulance to be checked over,” Thompson said.
School lockdowns were also lifted to allow students to leave by the end of the school day.
“The cordoned area has been reduced to enable entrance to Nelson Hospital for those who need to access the hospital, and to allow ‘residents only’ access to some streets,” Thompson added.
Armed police at the scene of a hostage situation at Motueka St, Nelson. Photo / Tim Cuff
“We know that this will have been an incredibly unsettling event and we want to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to bring the matter to a peaceful conclusion.”
Nelson Health New Zealand’s Lexie O’Shea earlier said the “hospital has been placed in partial lockdown restricted to card access only, due to an incident being managed by police in a neighbouring street”.
“Visitors and patients are able to access the hospital via the main entrances which are staffed with security personnel to allow that access.”
Nelson Top 10 Holiday Park was also in lockdown.
The streets were blocked off as police responded. Photo / Tim Cuff
“We are just in lockdown. We have been told there’s a gunman in the area,” a local man told NZME.
Motueka St was earlier closed at the intersection with Tipahi St, police said.
Armed police have been seen in the area.
Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) had also sent one unit to “assist police” and were standing by “at a safe forward point”.
Victory Primary earlier said the school was in lockdown following police advice. It was going through school lockdown procedures and informing parents.
Armed police are responding to the incident unfolding in Nelson. Photo / Matt Hall
A school spokesperson said there was a police car and armed officers outside directing traffic.
“Staff are working on a process for the 3 o’clock school run if the lockdown isn’t lifted,” said the spokesperson.
They said all the information they had was that there had been an incident, which was contained in one specific area.
Nelson Intermediate School and Nelson College were also both in lockdown. Nelson College said on a social media post that “everyone is safe and sound and we will bring you updates as we get them”.
Hato Hone St John said the service had been notified and had responded with one ambulance, one manager and one rapid response vehicle.
