Armed police in incident in Castlecliff, Whanganui, after reports of shooting

Three people are in police custody after an alleged firearms incident in Castlecliff this afternoon.

Whanganui police blocked several streets in Castlecliff and schools were closed after reports of shooting.

“We confirmed that three people are now in police custody, and the schools that were asked to keep their students inside have been released,” a police spokeswoman said shortly after 3pm.

“There are still some cordons while the police finish their work in the area.”

Police had installed cordons on Rangiora and Manuka streets around the Seafront Rd area.

The spokeswoman said police had received two calls from members of the public, one saying that shots had been heard and the other that two men had been seen carrying firearms. No injuries were reported.

There was a large police presence in the area, including the armed criminal squad, a dog unit and a helicopter.

However, several residents of Seafront Rd said they did not hear any gunshots and were confused about what was happening.

Aranui school principal Maryann Roberts said New Zealand police had advised the school to close. The lockdown was lifted just before 3pm and parents and caregivers were able to pick up the children.