Armed police have cordoned off a residential area of the Christchurch suburb of Avonhead as they continue to negotiate with a person who has locked themselves inside a property. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Christchurch police are in a standoff with a person who has locked themselves in a house.
The armed officers have been at the Beatrice Place property in the suburb of Avonhead since earlier this afternoon, after responding to reports of concerns about the person's welfare.
The person is reported to have a firearm and negotiators are in dialogue with them, police said in a statement this evening.
The person is understood to be alone in the address.
Some nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution, police said.
Local residents are being advised to avoid the area while police resolve the matter.