Police have been responding to a serious incident in Western Waikato this morning

Our newsroom understands a person was interrupted in the middle of a burglary, and -- after shooting and injuring an officer -- the person was shot dead by Police.

Police haven't confirmed if the incident is related to the search for Tom Phillips and his three children, who have been missing in the area for almost four years.

Herald journalist Mike Scott is at the Police cordon on Te Anga Rd, between Waitomo and Marokopa, where lots of Police cars coming in and out.

He says residents heard all the action with cars and helicopters around 3am this morning.