Auckland police issued a statement a short time ago saying that a serious incident at a construction site in the city’s heart had been contained.

“Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died,” the statement said.

“The male offender is also deceased.”

Police said they received reports of a person shooting a gun inside the Queen Street site at around 7.22am.

The gunman moved through the building site and continued shooting as police cordoned off the area. People were warned to stay away or remain within their buildings, while a ferry service using a nearby terminal was suspended.

Dozens of police vehicles, a helicopter and several ambulances attended, as the city prepares to host the opening match of the Women’s World Cup.

Media reported the gunman was a 24-year-old man who worked at the site, and showed construction workers hiding behind packs of cement, under police supervision.

When he reached the upper levels, police said the man “contained himself within the elevator shaft and our staff have attempted to engage with him”.

More shots were fired and the man was found dead a short time later.

Police say details about exactly what happened are still emerging and updates will be provided around injuries and the circumstances.

“What has unfolded is understandably alarming and we are reassuring the public that this incident has been contained and is an isolated incident,” Acting Superintendent Sunny Patel said.

“We can also advise that this is not a national security risk.”

The incident occurred on the first day of Women’s World Cup play, with NZ set to play Norway in the tournament’s opening match at Eden Park, five kilometres south.

Norway are staying at a hotel in close proximity to the shooting site.

– with AAP