UPDATED 2.13pm: Police are continuing to search several properties in North Canterbury as part of a large operation. 

Armed police swooped on several properties in Woodend, 25kms north of Christchurch this morning.

Residents reported seeing Armed Offenders Squad, police vans, and uniformed officers in the Gibbs Dr area.

"Police are executing a number of search warrants in the Woodend area at the moment," a police statement said.

"While the operation is currently in progress no further information is available at this time."