Streets around Rangiora were cordoned off  during a police operation to arrest a man this morning.

Residents report seeing a number of police  cars arriving in the Canterbury township about noon with lights and sirens blazing.

There were also ambulance crews involved in the developing situation.

A command unit had been set up on Northbrook Road and streets including East Belt and Cotter Lane appeared to be the focus of the operation.

A police media spokesman said a 38 year-old male after a domestic incident which occurred overnight.

The man was found this morning at an address in Rangiora and staff were deployed to the area.

He said as a precautionary measure, and to ensure the safety of staff, the armed offender squad was sent to help local police to arrest the man.

Police reassured the public that there was no concerns for their safety and police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.