Hawke’s Bay Hospital is in lockdown, with staff told a gunman could be in its vicinity.

Armed police have surrounded the Hastings hospital at every exit after an incident about 1.20pm.

Diversions are being put in place and officers with dogs are being sent inside.

A staff member in the hospital said staff had been sent a memo saying:

“Hawke’s Bay Hospital has gone into lockdown due to a potential gunman in the vicinity. Please stay away from doors and windows and do not let anybody exit the building. Further information to follow”.

Armed police have surrounded the Hawke's Bay Hospital after an incident about 1.20pm on Wednesday. Photo / Jack Riddell

Police said they were responding to a person acting suspiciously on hospital grounds.

The hospital and a nearby school were in lockdown as a precaution, police said.

A reporter at the scene said a nearby bakery, Angkor Wat, was also in lockdown.

Hawke's Bay Hospital is surrounded by police officers. Photo / Jack Riddell

A Health NZ spokesperson said Hawke’s Bay Hospital was currently in lockdown following a report of an incident in the Emergency Department.

“Patient and staff safety is top priority. We will update further when it’s appropriate.”

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