Armed police descended on Auckland’s Viaduct this morning after a dramatic firearms incident near a luxury hotel and reports of gunfire.

Up to 20 police officers carrying guns were seen storming the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour lobby while customers and staff in the adjoining cafe were bundled out a separate entrance to safety.

At least one person was seen being taken from the hotel by police with the Eagle helicopter hovering overhead throughout the morning.

Police are still standing guard with an investigation under way. Shortly after 9am a member of the public reported hearing gunfire outside the hotel.

Staff inside the hotel were understood to be taking cover as the incident unfolded, while others sheltered during an emergency lockdown.

A witness told Stuff of dramatic scenes with up to 20 officers carrying guns storming the hotel lobby.

Soon after the person saw a man dressed in red being taken from the hotel under police guard.

A nearby business owner described surreal scenes as police poured into the hotel’s lobby while customers in the hotel’s cafe were bundled out the side entrance.

The man, who did not want to be identified, said while he didn’t hear any shots he saw a person being taken from the hotel who appeared to be under arrest.

“We’ve had a lot of police presence, they cleared all the people out of the cafe, and then brought them back in and they arrested one guy and put him in the van.

“It’s a definitely a very edgy environment down here at the moment.”

Around a dozen people, including staff, were inside the cafe at the time.

The man said armed police were now standing guard outside the hotel.

A Sofitel Viaduct employee told Newshub there was a “security threat” earlier and shots were fired, but the situation was now under control.

A police spokesperson said armed police were called to an incident on Viaduct Harbour Ave, Auckland Central, shortly after 9am.

There were no reported injuries but armed police were called in as a precaution.

Police were making inquiries to establish exactly what had happened which were ongoing, said the spokesperson.

No further information was available at this early stage.

St John confirmed they were notified of an incident in central Auckland at 9.08am.

“One ambulance and one rapid response unit responded to the scene but have not been required,” a spokeswoman said.

The Sofitel Hotel’s general manager, Stephen Gould, confirmed an incident had occurred at the Sofitel.

“We are working with the local authorities. Our priority is caring for the health and safety of our teams and guests and we are doing everything we can to support them.”

'Stay inside'

Meanwhile police are also responding to an incident at Ōrākei.

A photographer at the scene says police have blocked off a section of Kupe St going towards Ōrākei Marae.

“There are about three to five police cars lined up,” he said.

A number of officers could also be seen out of their vehicles.

A staff member at Ōrākei Marae told the Herald police had warned them to stay inside.

“We’re alright. I don’t know what’s going on, but they’ve told us to stay inside,” the worker, who asked not to be named, said.

“They’ve cordoned off Kitemoana St and Kupe St. We’re just waiting to see what’s going to happen.”

The Herald has sought comment from police.

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