There's still a large police prescence in a central Hamilton suburb with one person is in a critical condition, following reports of a shooting

Ulster Street and Abbotsford Street in Whitiora are cordoned off with diversions in place.

A resident told our newsroom he heard gunfire before 10am, and police told him to stay home.

The Waikato Herald's Tom Eley says it's a working class and busy suburb.

He says it's down the road from FMG stadium, with motels and emergency housing down the street.