One person has been found dead, and three people injured in what residents describe as an "axe attack" in Upper Hutt.

Police were called to Blueberry Grove in Timberlea at 8.45pm on Thursday.

They have confirmed that one person was already dead when they got to the Blueberry Grove address.

They say three other people were found injured, but at different locations nearby.

Two of them are described as moderately injured, and are being treated in hospital.

Two properties were cordoned off in Narana Street, as well as the Blueberrry Grove property.

One resident told Radio New Zealand that he found a man lying on the ground outside his house with gashes on his arms and legs, who said his mother was dead inside the house.

Police said they were now speaking to a number of people, some of whom were involved in what happened, and there was no risk to the community.