Armed police in Tauranga have swooped this afternoon after reports of two young men carrying what looked like firearms.

Police Inspector Andy Brill says the two people were reported to police about 2:45pm, spotted on the corner of 15th Ave and Devonport Road.

Tauranga Boys College was placed in lockdown as police searched the area for several people.

Police set up cordons and armed officers checked the area, including the grounds at the school.

No sign of the men or the guns was found and the school was cleared to re-open about 3:30pm.