BREAKING: Police operation underway in Cootamundra

A MAJOR police operation is underway in Cootamundra, with tactical police deployed and several streets cordoned off amid reports of a siege-style situation.

Details remain scarce, however, residents have reported a significant police presence in the vicinity of Cowcumbla Street, near Mitchell Park.

Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics are also in attendance.

Locals say the operation has been ongoing since at least 5.30am on Wednesday, October 14.

Eyewitnesses confirmed heavily armed tactical police arrived at the scene late Wednesday morning, with several surrounding roads blocked off, including sections of Cowcumbla Street, Parker Street, Lawrence Street, John Street and Centenary Avenue.

A photograph shared on social media by a local resident shows an armoured NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit vehicle parked in the front yard of a home, with several armed officers positioned around it.

Heavily armed NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit officers and an armoured vehicle pictured in a residential street in Cootamundra on Wednesday morning | Image: Facebook

The Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) is an elite specialist unit deployed to high-risk incidents, including armed sieges, hostage situations, terrorism-related threats and other operations requiring specialist tactical capabilities.

The exact circumstances surrounding the operation remain unclear, however, the incident is understood to be mental health-related, with no threat to the wider community.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the area while the operation continues.

No further information was available at the time of publication.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, confidential support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).