Residents of Whakamarama were in the dark this morning after the Armed Offenders Squad locked down Barrett Rd for over two hours in what appears to have been a serious police operation.

One local reported seeing armed officers blocking both ends of Barrett Rd from around 5am, with the road remaining closed until around 7.15am.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said the entry and exit points were blocked off, forcing people to detour via Old Highway Rd.

She described a heavy police presence, with officers visibly armed.

“They wouldn’t tell the public why or when it would be open,” said one resident.

Police at the scene of an operation in Whakamarama. Photo / David Hall

“It was definitely something serious.”

The woman said it was “kind of frightening” to see.

A police spokesperson said the police presence is in relation to a pre-planned search warrant and that officers remain in the area this morning.

An officer taking photo as part of a police operation in Whakamarama. Photo / David Hall

“We don’t have any further information at this time.”