Police have declared an emergency situation in the Townsville suburb of Kirwan after multiple gunshots were fired in the area.

A police operation is currently underway with negotiators on the scene communicating with the alleged offender through a microphone speaker.

A police drone is hovering over the cordoned off area around Aird Avenue and Marchwood Avenue.

Police have also blocked off an area for public safety, with boundaries encompassing Dalrymple Road, Kern Brothers Drive, Sandstone Drive, and Golf Links Drive.

Residents within the exclusion zone are urged to stay inside their properties and lock their doors.

Police have also blocked off access to Elphestine Drive. 

At least four police units and two ambulance units are at the scene.

A police command centre has been established in the car park of a hotel on Kern Brothers Drive.

More to come.