Armed Offenders Squad in Stratford

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

State Highway 3 is closed in Stratford as armed offenders squad works to arrest 'person of interest'

The road is closed between Pembroke and Monmouth Rds. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the road has been closed since 11pm on Monday.

A resident said there was a police chase into Stratford from the south that night and police had laid spikes on SH3/Broadway St, near the intersection with Pembroke Rd, and shots had been fired.

Here's what you need to know:
- Cordons are in place on Celia St, Seyton St, Hamlet St, and Pembroke Rd. State Highway 3 is closed up to Monmouth St.
- Three people have been evacuated from their homes to a nearby motel.
- Stratford Primary School said it's planning to stay open on Tuesday, given the campus is on the other side of town from the police operation.
- Avon School on Hamlet St was also in lock down following a call from police.
- A Stuff reporter on Celia St said more than a dozen loud bangs that sounded like gunshots rang out about 8am.
- A detour is in place via Pembroke and Monmouth roads, and drivers are asked to follow the instructions of contractors onsite, Waka Kotahi said.