Montreal police say an officer has been killed after police responded to reports of shots fired in a central neighbourhood.

Jean-Pierre Brabant, police spokesman, says one other officer and a civilian were injured in the ongoing operation.

Police also said one suspect had been “neutralized,” without providing further details.

Police have blocked off a residential street in the Côte-des-Neiges district. “We’re asking everyone to avoid the sector. The situation is not under control,” Brabant said. 

Public safety officials have issued an emergency alert about an armed and dangerous suspect in the area. The alert warns local residents to stay indoors and for people to avoid the area.

Quebec’s Transport Department says it has closed sections of the Décarie expressway and other parts of the highway network in the central part of the city due to the ongoing police operation.