An armed person is on the loose in Auckland’s Beach Haven this afternoon after allegedly assaultingsomeone and leaving them seriously injured.

A police spokesman said officers responded to a report of a grievous assault on Hayman Pl about 10am.

The alleged offender fled from the property, the spokesman said.

Police have cordoned off the road.

Witnesses said officers were armed with rifles.

The victim took themselves to hospital, the spokesman said.

Police said the alleged offender was armed with a weapon other than a gun.

Police believed the alleged assault was “an isolated incident” posing no risk to the wider community, he said.

“There is an increased police presence in the area while inquiries are ongoing to locate the [alleged] offender,” he said.

“We ask that members of the public avoid the area.”

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.