Humberside Police say a 31-year-old man was shot and injured by armed officers on Tuesday morning following reports he was seen attacking a car with an ax.

Officers responded to a serious incident in the northern English city, which reportedly involved a man wielding an ax.

In a statement, the force said: “We deployed armed officers to the Holderness Road area shortly after 9.20am, following reports of concerns for the safety of the public in relation to a man seen near the Post Office in Holderness Road, Hull.

“The man, who cannot be named, is now receiving medical attention.

“An investigation is underway and the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is standard practice in such incidents.”

Police incident just off Freetown Way in #hull. Some people claiming they heard shots. Lots of police present pic.twitter.com/3C1FFG1JU3 — Caroline Brockelbank (@CBrockelbank) November 29, 2016

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

According to local workman Kevin Hollis, an ax-wielding man was shot twice after attacking a car.

Charles Street, off Freetown Way, was closed by police. Parts of nearby roads Raywell Street and Francis Street were also roped off.

Reports of man with an axe and gunshots fired on Charles Street (off Freetown Way) in Hull — Darren Dalby (@DarrenDalby) November 29, 2016

police everywhere on francis street pic.twitter.com/tRjZBipXR9 — Paul Storr (@StorrPaul) November 29, 2016

Locals described hearing what sounded like gunshots.

Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, Hollis said: “I’ve been told that a guy with an ax was attacking a car, and he was shot twice. He’s dead apparently.”

The paper told the public to remain indoors.

Twitter users posted photos of emergency service vehicles and cordons in the city center.