Police are still at the scene of a standoff with a person on Beatrice Place in Avonhead.

This afternoon, police down played the incident to Chris Lynch Media – but were forced to issue a press release this evening, given the number of police in the area – including multiple eyewitness reports of officers with guns pointed at a house.

In a statement, police said there were concerns for a person’s welfare, but early didn’t want media to report this.

A police spokesperson said in a statement “the person is reported to have a firearm and Police negotiators are in dialogue with them.

“They are understood to be alone in the address.

“Locals are advised to avoid the area while police work to resolve the situation safely and cordons are in place at the scene.

“Some nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution.

We know this will be unsettling for the community and appreciate those following Police instruction while staff respond to the situation”