Armed police have swarmed a residential Pamerston North St looking for a driver who fled on foot after their tyres were spiked.

A police spokesperson said they were alerted to a report of a stolen vehicle being used on Main St, Roslyn.

Police tracked the vehicle to Featherston St and “maintained observations” as it moved around the CBD.

Armed police have swarmed Raleigh St, Palmerston North, searching for a fleeing driver

The spokesperson said they were able to successfully spike the vehicle on Railway Rd just after 12.25pm, but the vehicle continued on.

The vehicle was pursued by police before it was abandoned on Alexandra St, with the driver then fleeing on foot.

Police said a search of the vehicle uncovered a firearm, which has been seized.

“While enquiries are ongoing, cordons have been put in place around the Alexander St area,” the spokesperson said.

“Police ask members of the public to avoid the area while enquiries are ongoing.”

Armed police were later seen on Raleigh St, which the spokesperson confirmed was connected to the incident.