An incident is unfolding in a Hamilton suburb and police are warning the public to stay away from the area.

Police were called to reports of an incident in Norton Rd around 12.30pm. Armed police can be seen in the area.

 “Cordons are in place at the scene and the public is advised to avoid the area,” said a police spokesperson.

A St John spokesperson said ambulance officers were responding to the incident but would not give details, deferring comment to police.

Armed police at the scene in Hamilton.

An eyewitness and a resident of Kent St has described seeing a car full of Mongrel Mob gang members being chased by multiple police cars before it crashed into a house on Norton Rd.

“A mob member has then got out of the car and entered someone’s house.

“Another walked out on foot holding a shotgun, police have just told us.”

They said the businesses on the road have had to close and homes on an adjacent street were being evacuated.

Armed offenders have been seen responding to the incident.