A police operation is underway in central Auckland after a “serious incident” caused traffic chaos near Spaghetti Junction.

Motorists were stuck in the traffic - some reporting to have been at a standstill for 10 minutes - and have seen a car crash on the other side of the road.

A photo provided to the Herald shows a dark-coloured SUV with a broken windshield facing the wrong-direction on the Southern Motorway near Grafton Rd.

People also reported armed police, seemingly searching for the occupant of the vehicle shortly after 8.30pm.

The police Eagle helicopter was also being used to assist police with the pursuit.

A witness told RNZ it was a hectic scene.

“We were in the Domain walking the dog when we heard all these police cars roaring up and the police helicopter, we saw they blocked off the northbound lane and there was a car on the side of the road pointing the other way.”

A video provided to the Herald showed several police units and emergency services on the scene along Khyber Pass Rd.

A witness said: “I was walking up Khyber Pass Rd 20 minutes ago and an SUV came up the road at 100km/h with a smashed windscreen. Seven or eight cop cars behind trying to angle him off the main road but [it was] too dangerous.”

Another person added: “I live in the Grafton area. Two police officers asked me to check my house and I let them. They were looking for someone. They looked in a hurry. They left after they saw that everything was clear. I think they’re doing the same with our neighbours.”

A resident who lives near Khyber Pass Rd said: “I live in the area and cops are coming around asking people to go back into their homes.”

A police spokesperson said police in Tāmaki Makaurau are responding to what they described as a “serious incident”.

 “As a result there is significant disruption to traffic and motorists are asked to delay travel.”

They said more information will be provided when available.

The motorway, which slowed to a crawl, has now been cleared and traffic has begun to flow freely again.

Traffic chaos on State Highway 1 near the central motorway junction. Photo / NZTA

One motorist who was stuck in traffic told Newstalk ZB: “I’m at Spaghetti Junction heading south on SH1 sitting at the bend where Symonds Street bridge comes into view.

“I have been completely standstill for 10 minutes ... lots of police action around Newmarket.”