Armed standoff at bank, shots fired

BREAKING NEWS: Police are attending an incident on Auckland's Great South Road in the suburb of Penrose.
An armed man has been making threats inside the Westpac bank. 

Police say nine bank staff members were in the bank when the man entered, around 4:30pm this afternoon, but have come out unharmed. It is not believed they were directly threatened.

Police believe the man is a 41-year-old who entered the bank in a wheelchair. He has threatened self-harm.

One woman in an office above the bank posted a photo to Facebook showing police outside, saying she was unable to leave work.

Witnesses have told 3 News they can see the man with a gun inside.
Ten police cars are currently at the scene.

Witnesses from nearby businesses say bank employees have been evacuated. Businesses nearby are in lockdown as the Police Negotiation Team and the Armed Offenders Squad talk with the alleged gunman.

Police have closed Great South Rd between Ellerslie Panmure Highway and Rockfield Rd, and are advising motorists to avoid the area.

Westpac have not commented on the incident.