Police hunt for man with gun in Christchurch, school lockdown lifted

Armed police are trying to find a man involved in a firearms incident in Addington, Christchurch.

A nearby primary school was earlier under a police-enforced lockdown.

Police said initial calls were received relating to a family harm matter, and a person was reported to have a gun.

"Cordons were put in place at an address on Whiteleigh Avenue."

Police said two people at the address were helping police find the person who was no longer thought to be in the area.

One person injured in the initial incident has been taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

Police advised members of the public to avoid the area around Whiteleigh Avenue and Lincoln Road while staff work to resolve the situation safely.

"The lockdown at a nearby school has been lifted and parents are able to collect their children as usual.

"Police acknowledge that this may have been unsettling for the young people whose school went into lockdown and appreciate their support."

"Inquiries remain ongoing to determine what exactly has occurred."

An RNZ reporter at the scene said police were at a property near the Z petrol station on Lincoln Road and seven police cars could be seen.

In a statement, Z Energy said it was aware of an incident occurring nearby.

"Our site staff are safe and the incident did not occur at the Z site. Our key priority is ensuring our staff remain safe.

"Z Addington is currently closed, and we will continue to follow guidance from the local police responding to the incident."

Addington Te Kura Taumatua posted on social media earlier that parents were not to go to the school.

"Please do not come to school for school cross country. We are in a police (e)nforced lockdown. Your children are safe in their rooms. We will update as soon as we know more information. Please avoid calling school and tying up phone lines.

"We will remain in lockdown until it is lifted by the police. We will take care of your children for as long as it takes."