A woman has died and a man is critically injured after both were shot by police in Christchurch overnight.

Police were called to a residential address in Clyde Rd, Bryndwr at about 11pm after receiving a report of a man armed with a knife, threatening to hurt himself and his partner.

“Officers arrived at the address a short time later and a woman ran from the house, followed by a man armed with a knife,” Canterbury District Commander, Superintendent Tony Hill said this morning.

“Believing the woman to be at risk of imminent serious harm, police shot the man, critically injuring him.

“The woman subsequently picked up the knife and threatened police.

“Officers appealed for her to put the weapon down, but she instead moved forward. She was also shot, sustaining critical injuries.

“Immediate medical assistance was provided to the woman but tragically she passed away a short time later.”

Police responding to the incident on Clyde Rd last night. Photo / George Heard

The injured man was transported to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Multiple police cars and ambulances have been at a property on Clyde Rd, near Hollyford Ave, since about 11pm.

Photo / George Heard

Detectives are also there, with their attention focused on a rear unit, in a block of three, which has been blocked off by police tape.

Clyde Rd locals spoken to by NZME this morning are shaken up by the tragic events of last night.

Two women questioned why such brutal force was used in the incident.

“I heard the two ‘boom, boom!’ [sounds] and I rung the cops and told them,” one woman said.

“I don’t understand why they shot at her bro, she picked up a f****** knife. It was a domestic violence callout.

“She’s a f****** female bro, why don’t you shoot her in the leg?”

Another added: “Why aren’t they tasering them? That’s shoot to kill, that’s not good. They were good people. I saw them walking their dogs every day. They’re quiet people.”

Emergency services responding to a serious incident on Clyde Rd. Photo / George Heard. 

A Herald photographer on the scene last night said they saw armed police as well as someone being taken away by an ambulance.

“Scene guards are in place at the Clyde Rd property, and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the coming days. A portion of the road will be closed,” Hill said.

Police are still at the scene this morning. Photo / George Heard

“We have spoken to next of kin, and our thoughts are with the family of those involved at this incredibly difficult time.

“This was a distressing incident for the attending officers, and the appropriate support is being provided to them.”

A critical incident investigation is underway, and it will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), which is standard for any incident involving a police shooting.

Photo / George Heard

According to property records, the units, which are across the road from a playground, are owned by Kāinga Ora.

A police officer at the scene confirmed they were responding to a “serious incident”.

Police responding to the incident on Clyde Rd last night. Photo / George Heard

Meanwhile, police have closed State Highway 1 (SH1) between Rolleston and Burnham for what they have described as a “police incident”.

It is not yet clear if it is linked to the Clyde Rd incident.

SH1 is closed between Burnham Rd and Dunns Crossing Rd and motorists are advised to “follow directions of emergency services on site”.

More to come.