Tauranga Hospital locked down, armed police present

Tauranga Hospital has been locked down and armed police are present.

A police spokeswoman said the hospital has been locked down “as a precaution” after the police were made aware of a threat made over the phone.

Staff were responding to the area to assess any threat and provide reassurance, the spokeswoman said.

A reporter at the scene said there were two armed officers at the entrance off Cameron Rd.

Staff who had been having coffee at a cafe across the road said they had heard they were not allowed in or out unless it was an emergency.

Another hospital staff member said police arrived about 10.50am.

Arriving vehicles are being turned away.

More to come.