Police are responding to a serious incident on Auckland's Quay Street.

A number of armed police are responding, police say.

The public have been asked to stay indoors and avoid the area.

"The serious incident in Auckland CBD this morning is currently contained to a building in lower Queen Street, which is under construction," says a police spokesperson.

"Police ask all members of the public to avoid the lower Queen Street area and for those in downtown inner-city buildings to remain inside their buildings at this time.

"This is a significant incident with multiple emergency services responding.

"A large police presence will remain in the area.

"Police will provide a further update as soon as we are in a position to do so."

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