Two schools and a medical centre are in lockdown in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati as armed police hunt for a person of interest. 

Katikati College said in a social media post it has been directed by police to go into lockdown following an incident in the area. 

“Please do not come into school. We will inform the community as soon as we have more information.” 

Katikati Primary School also posted that the school was in lockdown. 

“All children are safe and accounted for. Awaiting instructions from police. 

“Parents were asked not to call or come to the school, and check Facebook for updates.” 

A police spokesman confirmed they were making inquiries to locate a person of interest in Katikati. 

Armed police at the intersection of Beach Rd and Park Rd in Katikati. 

Robin’s Nest early childcare centre told the Bay of Plenty Times it was in lockdown at the request of police. 

A caller to SunLive said police had cordoned off Beach Rd and armed officers were “standing guard” at the Polley Cres and Park Rd intersections. 

Traffic was being diverted around those streets, the caller said. 

Katikati Medical Centre said on its Facebook page that it had been directed by police to go into lockdown. 

“We ask that people stay away for the time being and we will update when we have further information. While this is in place we kindly ask that people refrain from phoning the practice unless necessary at this time.” 

More to come