Two people are dead and police have taken one man into custody after a shooting in West Auckland today.

Police said two people were found dead at a property when they arrived at the scene in Glendene at about 3pm.

Heavily armed police detained two people in nearby Te Atatū Peninsula, a Herald journalist at the scene reports.

Police later said one man was taken into custody and is being spoken to by police.

A man was detained by the armed offenders squad just after 4.30pm near the Holy Family Catholic Church on Taikata Rd in Te Atatū Peninsula.

Video showed the man lying on the ground, surrounded by armed officers and police dogs.

Police said a homicide investigation is now underway and a scene examination is currently underway at the Barrys Rd address.

Cordons will remain in place and locals will see an increased police presence in the area.

"Police understand this was an alarming incident for local residents and we would like to reassure the community that at this stage, we are not seeking anyone else," police said.

Witnesses have also been urged to contact police.

Seven armed police officers were earlier grouped together on Taikata Rd, which has been blocked off by police.

A video by a Herald reporter shows armed police stop a man in a car, tell him to exit the vehicle, and kneel on the road with his hands behind his head.

The police Eagle helicopter was hovering almost directly above the area where the officers are standing.

Once officers had detained the man, they moved to open up his boot with weapons drawn. A Herald reporter at the scene said it didn't appear officers found much in the vehicle, except for some jerseys and shopping bags.

The man appeared to be calm during the incident and didn't resist police.

A resident on Barrys Rd says police have blocked off both ends of his street.

Witnesses have told the Herald about hearing gunfire and a man and a woman screaming.

The eagle helicopter is also reportedly circling overhead and armed police are in the area, witnesses say.

A resident told the Herald she initially heard several loud bangs.

"There were a bunch of gunshots before a screaming man and woman," she said before phoning 111 at about 3pm.

"There's a helicopter hovering above and all the roads are blocked."

She said there were several police officers, armed with rifles, and at least two ambulances on the street which had been blocked off by police tape at both ends.

Auckland Transport said bus route 162 is being detoured due to the police event and told commuters to expect delays.

More to come