Residents across the Selwyn district have been urged to secure their homes and vehicles.

An eyewitness said multiple polices cars are in the area near Allied Fuel self-serve-station close to Manion Road and Weedons Road.

Police with rifles are stationed near the motorway, with at least 14 police units, a large commercial drone, and police dog units.

The eyewitness said an Anticartica NZ company vehicle was smashed and on the side of the road.

It’s understood a man stole a vehicle and crashed it.

Schools and preschools in the area had been placed into lockdown as a precaution.

Many people have contacted Chris Lynch Media saying they’ve received this text message from the council.

“To all households in Broadfield, Prebbleton, Rolleston, Springston, Weedons and West Melton on Selwyn Gets Ready.”

”NZ Police has advised they are trying to locate an armed offender in the area north of Rolleston.”

”Please secure your homes and vehicles and ring 111 if you see any suspicious.”

”Please share this message with your neighbours.”

The message is signed by Emergency Management Team at the Selwyn District Council.

When Chris Lynch phoned the media communications number, the spokesperson didn’t know anything about it.

Police are expected to release details shortly.