An armed stand-off with a man on Napier Hill continues today amid rumours that he has been shot dead by police.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle said several media had run reports that the man was dead and had been shot by police.
"This is totally incorrect. To the best of our knowledge, he is still on the property and his status is unknown."
Police last night set off controlled explosions on the Chaucer Rd property.
Mr Hoyle said there was nothing to indicate the offender was dead.
"While we have not seen or heard from him for some hours now, that is not unusual. He has "played possum" with us on several ocassions since the start of the stand-off. This is not out of character for him.
"We have to treat him as alive and dangerous until the contrary is proven," Mr Hoyle said.
Police have been using devices to enable them to see into the house. While they have been able to see into certain parts of the building, some other parts have been obscured from view.
The offender is believed to have ammunition and explosives on the property and Mr Hoyle said police must approach the property carefully. Bomb disposal experts have been brought in from outside the district.
"This is an extraordinarily difficult situation with inherent possible danger to police staff and the public. We must take a slow and cautious approach."
Mr Hoyle said every possible action was being taken to resolve the situation, but understandably it may take some time.
"We acknowledge the inconvenience and frustration this is causing people, but unfortunately it is unavoidable. I can assure everyone that we are doing our best to bring this incident to a close as quickly as possible."
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