Some Oakville residents told to 'immediately' shelter in basements amid 'active situation': Halton police

Some Oakville residents have been told to seek shelter in their basements amid what police are calling an "active situation" with at least two people barricaded inside a home.

According to tweets from Halton police issued Friday afternoon, Lakeshore Road West is closed from 4th Line to Birch Hill Lane for an ongoing investigation.

Police say they first received a call just before 1:20 p.m. reporting possible gunfire in the area.

On Twitter, investigators said the ongoing situation is contained to a residence on Lakeshore Road West, and originally involved "at least two" people barricaded inside.

Police later said one person is now out of the home, but at least one person remains inside. Crisis negotiators have been in contact with the person inside the home and there are no reported injuries, police said.

"Our crisis negotiators will be working to resolve this safely," police said on Twitter.

Ryan Anderson, media relations officer with Halton Regional Police, says as of Friday evening, the situation is still ongoing.

"It is our goal, our ultimate goal, to bring them out safely without anybody being injured," he said.

Anderson could not say whether it was a hostage situation or if the person remaining in the home resided there or explain the relationship between the two people.

Police are concerned for the safety of the individual inside, as well as those who live nearby.

"We have reason to believe there may have been gas released in the home, so utilities have been cut off to the home," Anderson said. As a result, approximately nine residences have been notified and evacuated accordingly.

Investigators say there is a "heavy police presence in the area," including officers, the tactical rescue unit, and police dogs.

Appleby College was also in a hold and secure, but that has since been lifted. However, students boarding there will continue to remain indoors, according to the school's Twitter feed

Police are asking people to avoid the area.