The Ministry of Social Development office in Rangiora was placed into lockdown this morning.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com police were called to the carpark of an address on High Street at 11.15am after reports of a man demonstrating intimidating behaviour.

The man left in a vehicle, and police later located the vehicle and spoke with him, the spokesperson said.

Ministry of Social Development Canterbury Regional Commissioner Blair McKenzie said the Rangiora service centre went into lockdown briefly following the incident.

He said the site reopened at approximately 11.40am.

“There were no injuries to staff or clients,” McKenzie said.

“The safety and security of our staff and the people we serve is our top priority. As this has been referred to police, we are unable to comment further,” he said.

The police spokesperson said no charges have been laid at this time and there is not believed to be any ongoing threat.