Police have cordoned off a road outside a church this morning after officers were confronted with a man with a knife.

Officers remain at the scene in Chapel Road and are trying to arrest the suspect, following the initial incident at Park Reach, a block of flats, at 10.40am.

Hampshire Constabulary has said officers are doing everything they can to deal with the matter as swiftly and as safely as possible.

READ MORE: Southampton police cordon outside Saint Mary's Church, Chapel Road - live updates

READ NEXT: Resident describes dramatic moment police storm block of flats

A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers were confronted with a man in possession of a knife at a property in Chapel Road, Southampton, at 10.40am.

“We remain at the scene as officers are working to arrest the individual and resolve the matter safely.”

They added: “We understand that the large police presence is concerning for those in the area but please be reassured that we are doing everything we can to deal with the matter as swiftly and as safely as we can.”