Levin residents evacuated as police respond to residential incident

Police are continuing to deal with an incident in Levin where residents of a street have been evacuated.

A Police Negotiation Team said it remained in communication with the person involved in a self-harm related incident in Levin last night.

A number of homes on Bledisloe Street were evacuated last night - as a precaution.

Police said the street would remain cordoned off between Freyberg and Cobham Streets until the incident was resolved. They asked the public to avoid the area.

However, it was safe for students from Levin East School and Waiopehu College to go to school today, they said.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said she understood the incident had been distressing for residents.

"We know it can be upsetting to be asked to leave your home - especially when we're not able to say much about the incident that's prompted this - but public safety must always be our number one priority and we thank those affected for their co-operation," she said.

Stewart said the team was working hard to resolve the incident without loss of life, injuries or damage to property.

Horowhenua District Council had arranged accommodation for some people while others are staying with friends or family.

Mayor Bernie Wanden said the council had been checking in on evacuated residents, and was preparing to provide accommodation for them again tonight in case the incident was not resolved.

Levin resident Nads said she had seen police on the street and drones in the air last night.

Police had told residents they could either leave or stay home, she said.

She chose to stay in her home.

"We were told that there was a bomb threat so we all had to either stay in our homes or evacuate.

"I actually just seen the drones out and the cops all in the streets, I didn't see much," she said.

There was often crime and police activity on her street, she said.

Another Levin resident said she slept in her car overnight, after being evacuated by police.