A resident in a Christchurch street where a fight left four injured - including one critically - says there was yelling and commotion before police arrived. 

Armed police are this morning stationed at cordons on Hoani St, Northcote, with a manhunt underway after an overnight violent confrontation. 

Emergency services were called to Hoani St, Northcote, about 9.30pm yesterday. 

One person was in a critical condition and another person suffered serious injuries, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said. 

Two others received either minor or moderate injuries. 

One neighbour said her partner returned home around 9.30pm and heard yelling and commotion before police arrived. 

Another resident who did not want to be named said he woke up in the middle of the night to so many police cars “it looked like daylight” outside. 

Another said he went out on the street to find police “running around with guns”. 

One neighbour spoke to police at the cordon and said he was told police plan to be at the cordon for days. 

Four people have been injured, one critically, in a fight on Hoani St, Northcote, in Christchurch overnight. Photo / Jazlyn Whales 

He told the Herald it was a quiet street and he has had no problems in his time living here. 

Cordons remain in place this morning while police examine the scene and inquiries are ongoing. 

Armed police are staggered within the cordons across sections of the street, with a scene examination trailer arriving just before 9am. 

Investigations are focused on two properties opposite each other with forensics teams seen coming in and out of both. 

Police vehicles seen on Hoani St this morning. Photo / Jazlyn Whales 

Hill said police were working at speed to identify and locate those involved. 

“Police believe the parties involved are known to each other and the risk to the wider public is minimal. 

“The public should expect to see significant police numbers in the area today, as we work to resolve this incident as swiftly as possible.” 

Police have appealed for anyone in the area who might have witnessed anything to call 105 and quote file 260218/3391.