A man has died after police put him in handcuffs during a property search in Te Puke.
The police were executing a search warrant at an address in the Bay of Plenty town at about 8.45am today.
The man, aged in his 50s, was placed in handcuffs for "the safety of staff carrying out the search" after a firearm was found at the property, according to the police.
Police said there was no physical struggle but the man appeared "verbally agitated".
They said the man collapsed soon after being placed in the handcuffs.
The handcuffs were immediately removed and police staff performed CPR while an ambulance was called, but the man was pronounced dead a short time later.
The police said the man collapsed due to an apparent medical event and a post mortem would be carried out to establish the cause of death.
The Area Commander for Western Bay of Plenty Police, Inspector Clifford Paxton, said: "A full investigation is underway on behalf of the Coroner in relation to how the man died.
"As a matter of procedure in these cases an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation has also been initiated.
"Police are in contact with the man's family and will continue to liaise with them to ensure they receive the necessary support and are kept informed."
No further details of the man who died will be released until he has been formally identified and all family members have been notified.
