Police are trying to locate a man who fled in a car and may be armed in the Lowburn area of Central Otago after being involved in what is believed to be a domestic incident in Dunedin last night.
Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said this evening that police were continuing to make inquiries in relation to the man and his location.
Police conducted a search for the man in the Lowburn area by foot and helicopter, he said.
"The person of interest has not yet been located, but we are now confident there is no safety concern or risk to members of the public in the area."
As a result of this the police cordons have since been removed, however, a police presence still remains in the area, he said.
"We urge this person, or anyone in touch with him, to please come forward to Police so we may resolve this matter safely."
Earlier today, three police cars, including armed police, were on Lowburn Valley Rd and the road is closed to traffic this afternoon.
A police spokeswoman said officers were in pursuit of a car and in the process of locating an offender in the Mt Pisa area, near Cromwell. Road spikes had been deployed.
Police were looking for a European male in his late teens who sped off in a car following the incident.
They believed the man may have a firearm and should not be approached.
Although police do not believe he posed a direct risk to the public, people were advised to lock their vehicles and make sure buildings were secured.
Police want to hear of any sightings of a white Nissan Navara ute, registration number KDA680.
Any information or sightings should be made to police by calling 111.
A witness told the Otago Daily Times they saw several police cars speeding through Lawrence earlier today.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that "quite a few units" were involved in the incident.
