Police have allowed residents to return to their homes through a cordon that affected a number of streets in an area of Wanganui known as Parkdale.
It is unclear what sparked the callout but a number of streets are believed to be affected, including Ward St, Terrace St and Parkdale Drive.
A witness said residents were not being allowed in or out of the area, however about 5.30pm police began allowing people access to their homes.
Police attention was focussed on a house in Ward St. A number of officers with firearms patrolled the street and congregated in a garage.
A man, woman and child were seen at the property in question.
