A police operation has been underway in parts of Riccarton this evening following a reported carjacking incident involving youth offenders.

Chris Lynch Media understands multiple police units, including a dog unit, initially converged on Hansons Lane.

It has been reported a male was seen running along Riccarton Road attempting to carjack multiple vehicles.

A commercial helicopter was also deployed to monitor the situation from the air.

Senior Sergeant Mike Jackson said police were “making a number of enquiries to locate several people of interest who are wanted in relation to ongoing enquiries.”

Jackson said a helicopter had been used to assist ground units with tracking people of interest this afternoon, who were believed to have stolen at least one vehicle.

“The helicopter has since returned to base, however Police are following lines of enquiry to locate those involved,” Jackson said.

“At this time we are unable to provide further details.”