Wollongbar police operation: TAFE students are ordered to stay indoors as emergency incident unfolds

Police are currently negotiating with someone at a private property in the NSW northern rivers which has caused a nearby TAFE to go into lockdown.

Emergency responders responded to a reported concern for welfare at the property in Wollongbar, between Lismore and Alstonville at 8am on Thursday. 

Staff and students at the nearby TAFE have since been ordered to stay indoors as a precaution as while the 'high risk' incident unfolds. 

Local residents in Wollongbar have also been ordered to shelter in place for the time being although police have said there is no ongoing risk to the public at this time. 

Police negotiators and officers from the Tactical Operations Unit are on-location attempting to talk the person down. 

A police helicopter has also been spotted flying low over the area as part of the active police operation which is underway.

A NSW Police spokesperson said there was no ongoing risk to the public. 

'Officers from Richmond Police District remain at the scene – with assistance from PolAir, police negotiators, and the Tactical Operations Unit,' the spokesman said. 

'As a result of the ongoing operation, the Bruxner Hwy is closed in both directions between Sneaths Road and McLeans Ridges Road.' 

The closure of the Bruxner Highway has sparked lengthy traffic delays and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.

More to come