“There is a large police presence in the area and members of the public are urged to call 111 if they see any suspicious activity.”
Residents are urging others to stay safe inside their houses, with one woman commenting on social media, “Just stay inside homes especially around Chartwell area until this person has been apprehended”.
A flight tracking website showed the police Eagle helicopter circling above Chartwell.
A local resident told RNZ she saw up to 10 armed police and multiple police cars in the area, and reported the helicopter had been circling since 8pm.
She said she approached police who reportedly warned it’s a “dangerous” situation and asked her to go.
Hato Hone St John told the Herald they were called around 6.40pm and sent a rapid response and operations manager. An ambulance was on standby as well.
The vehicles have now left the scene.
