A neighbourhood near Welland's downtown core was shut down for nearly two hours Friday afternoon as heavily-armed members of Niagara Regional Police's Emergency Task Unit carried out a search.

"Our officers were executing a warrant in regards to firearms," said police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin from the scene.

Young Street, between Garner Avenue and Burgar Street, was closed as officers, including members of Welland's street crime unit, and criminal investigation branch worked alongside ETU members and members of a provincial firearms team.

A police cruiser was also stationed at the corner of Asher Street and Boulder Lane to prevent access to Burgar Street.

"It was out of an abundance of caution to make sure the community was safe that our officers decided to shut down the area as they executed the warrant," said Sabourin.

Onlookers from the neighbourhood watched as the ETU members entered a home on the south side of Young Street close to Burgar, while other ETU members trained their weapons on the home from behind the cover of a vehicle.

Sabourin said multiple people were taken into custody, and while she didn't have an exact number at the time The Tribune counted at least three people taken into custody.

"I'll have more details on that coming out in a media release," she told media on scene. "There's no ongoing threat to public safety."

A Niagara Emergency Medical Services ambulance was stationed a few blocks away before being called up to Young Street after the suspects were taken into custody. Paramedics were not required as there were no injuries

Not long after the suspects were taken into custody, Young Street was reopened.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib