Armed police hunt wanted man in Waimate

The armed offenders squad have been called out to Waimate in search of a wanted man.

Just after 3pm this afternoon Waimate Police were informed a man wanted on warrant was in the area and the armed offenders were called in as back up.

A witness told the Timaru Herald that the block off High, Manse and Rhodes Sts along with the town belt were cordoned off, with around nine police cars at the scene including the armed offenders squad.

Senior sergeant Mark Offen, of Timaru police, said two addresses were searched but the man was not located and inquiries were continuing.

''Information given to the Waimate police had caused some concern and in the interests of safety to the community and the attending police it was deemed prudent to ask the armed offenders for assistance.

''Two addresses were searched but the man was not located.''

- © Fairfax NZ News