Armed Police, Schools in Lockdown after incident in West Auckland

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Armed police in West Auckland this morning responded to reports of gunfire and negotiated with a man believed to have locked himself in a house.

Both a primary school and early childcare centre in Glen Eden were put into lockdown due to the incident but this was lifted shortly after midday.

Police put up a cordon around local streets but lifted this after 1pm.

Police have not released more details but say they are following "strong lines of enquiry" in relation to the incident.

A roofer working on a building one house from the residence where the alleged gunman is believed to be held up earlier said "you can hear the AOS over a loudhailer saying 'this is your last chance to give yourself up'."

A local resident passing by, Richard Ramage, told the Herald he had seen a heavy police presence following some sort of disturbance.

"From what I am aware he has locked himself in the house and is refusing to come out."

Photo / NZ Herald

Glen Eden Primary School, in Glenview Rd, earlier told parents it was in lockdown.

Talented Tots childcare, an early childcare centre on West Coast Rd, also confirmed it went into lockdown this morning.

Police responded to reports of a shot possibly being fired in the Glen Eden area after 10am.

Police say the Armed Offenders Squad has been deployed to the area as a precaution.

Cordons have been put in place on a section of West Coast Red near Glendale Rd.

Schools have been on high alert after the Christchurch mosque shootings.

Last week three Auckland schools around Avondale were put in lockdown after of sightings of a man with a firearm.

It later emerged the weapon was only a BB gun.