UPDATED 4.54pm: Police have announced multiple investigations are underway following last night's armed incident in the Hawke's Bay.  

A 28 year old man was shot around 11pm and remains in a serious, but stable condition in Hawke's Bay Hospital.  

The man is believed to be linked to an investigation into the death of a woman at a property in Westshore, Napier, but police won't reveal their relationship.   

Police were alerted to reports of a man later seen carrying a firearm, and driving south out of Napier.

Road blocks were set up and the Armed Offenders Squad were deployed to track the man, during which time he shot at police.

He was finally stopped in central Clive where he and police exchanged fire.

The man was wounded, and given medical attention, before being taken to Hawke's Bay hospital.

District Commander, Superintendent Sandra Venables, has described the events as "a difficult, dangerous and fast moving incident".

She said Police are thankful no one else was hurt.  

Meanwhile, tributes have began to flow in for the deceased woman.  

Martin Madden, the principal of Westshore School, the school which the woman's six year old daughter attends, said the woman was a lovely caring mum.

"She was just a lovely caring mum - like all the mum's of children that attend the school.  It's a huge shock to the system," said Mr Madden.

A post mortem examination will be conducted on the woman's body tomorrow.  

Mill Road and State Highway Two have also now been reopened after being closed for much of the day.  

Police are asking any members of the public who witnessed last night's events to contact them on: 021 222 7607