Police in Christchurch have been authorised to carry arms as they hunt a dangerous fugitive wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run.

Police enquiries are continuing following a serious incident in New Brighton yesterday in which a pedestrian was struck and killed following a police pursuit.

A 49-year-old man was killed when he was hit by a person driving a stolen vehicle on the intersection of Hawke St and Shaw Av.

He has been identified as Dean Amies.

"The search for 21-year-old Liam Strickland in relation to the incident remains ongoing and search warrants were executed at nine properties across Christchurch today.

"As a result of these warrants, six people have been taken into custody.

"Methamphetamine, cannabis and three firearms were also located."

Police are appealing for information from the public for any sightings of Strickland or information on his whereabouts.

"He is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

"I have authorised routine arming for all Canterbury Police staff in light of the current circumstances.

"Police would like to thank Christchurch residents today who may have been affected by the ongoing activity in relation to this incident.

"This has been a serious and traumatic event and Police thank residents for their cooperation and understanding as enquiries continue."

Anyone with information is urged to call 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Police offer their sincere condolences to the man's family and friends. Police are working to determine the exact details of this incident."

It has also been reported that Strickland was jailed for two years for his part in a vicious assault in 2016 on a man he and his co-offenders regarded as being "too nice" to be in a gang.

The man who was struck down as the suspect fled police has been described as "a kind, caring soul".

Wednesday afternoon's incident has rocked the Christchurch suburb, especially Amies' family and friends who are struggling to come to terms with his shock loss.

One friend, who did not want to be named, said "Dean was a kind caring soul".

"Honestly Deano was an awesome character ... I hope they catch the scum that has caused grief on Dean's family.

"Big kia kaha to his son and family and friends."

The woman's sentiments have been shared by others on social media.

Another friend wrote, "such sad news, Deano Amies you didn't deserve that, no one does, wow shocked, RIP", and "RIP Deano Amies I'll treasure our memories can't believe this has happened, rest easy cuz x".

Canterbury homeless advocates Street Wise also posted of Amies death, confirming he was one of their street community.

"One of our Street Whānau tragically lost their lives in a hit-and-run in New Brighton," they wrote.

"This is obviously a very sad time for the community, but being that we lost Street Whānau, it hits us all that much harder.

"We want you all to know that we're here for you! If you need to talk or just want a hug, please reach out."

 

A heavy police presence was seen in the suburb of Aranui last night, with video posted to social media showing armed police outside a house.

Members of the public report Reynolds Ave in Bishopdale is blocked off - and Armed Offenders vehicles were seen heading down Gardiners Road towards Redwood.

Earlier, witness Sam Heselwood said he saw a man in a grey hoodie speed past in a Subaru Legacy wagon with a police car in pursuit.

Shortly afterwards, the same car sped back the other way "going 200km/h at least", with eight or so police cars behind him, Heselwood said.

Minutes later the same man, now in a van, drove back the other way. Video footage from the scene shows the van screaming down the road, mounting the kerb and almost hitting a pedestrian who narrowly ran out of the way.

The police officers had by that point appeared to have pulled out of the pursuit, Heselwood said.

Unichem Pharmacy manager George Mansour heard the sound of a police chase and moments later saw someone on the ground.

He said a little while later a police officer came into the store to tell them someone had died.

Acting Canterbury District Commander Mike Johnson said police had begun a pursuit when a person of interest failed to stop.

The chase was abandoned due to the manner of the person's driving. The vehicle was found a short time later and two of the three suspects arrested without any trouble,

However, the third stole a nearby vehicle and rammed a police dog van, Johnson said.

"Soon after the stolen vehicle collided with a pedestrian at the intersection of Hawke St and Shaw Ave, New Brighton."

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian died and inquiries are under way to locate the driver of the second fleeing vehicle.

"Strickland is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public," says Acting Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Mike Johnson.

"Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 111."