Armed police have gathered in two suburbs north of Wellington this afternoon, blocking off streets and bewildering locals.

Uniformed officers as well as Armed Offenders Squad members are in Plimmerton, Porirua in force, though police remain tight-lipped on the operation.

A local resident said there were “heaps of cops” and about 13 police cars blocking Grays Rd at the bottom of Pope St.

“Apparently they’re looking for four guys and they’ve gone up our street,” the resident said.

The woman, who lives in nearby Mo St, said her street was also blocked by armed police.

Another woman said there were multiple police cars on Grays Rd.

Police are gathered on Grays Rd, Plimmerton.

Police have also blocked off Owhiti St in Titahi Bay, though a witness said the police presence was larger at Grays Rd.

Another witness said there were ambulances parked up with police.

A Wellington Free Ambulance spokeswoman referred all questions to police.

A police spokeswoman said there was no information available yet.