Police are negotiating with an armed man who is holding a person hostage at a house in Blenheim.

The incident has been unfolding since 5.10pm yesterday when a man armed with a firearm turned up at the Park Terrace house.

Police said the man was known to the two occupants inside, with one managing to escape. They described it as a family harm incident.

“Two occupants were inside at the time, and one was able to get to safety,” police said.

“The other person remains inside the property with the man.”

No one has been reported injured and police negotiators are at the scene.

Nearby neighbours were all asked to last night stay in temporary accommodation with police keeping them updated on developments.

“The incident is confined to the address and there is no risk to the wider community,” police said.

However, a section of Park Terrace has been cordoned off with police asking people to avoid the area.

“We are focused on the welfare of both people inside the address and are working hard to resolve this peacefully.”