(3pm) Police cordons remain in place and several businesses and homes have been evacuated following a threat made from a property in Sydenham.

A cordon surrounds a house on Percival Street as police continue working to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.

At 3PM, a police spokesperson said the situation was ongoing.

Officers were called to the address around 10.40am after reports a person inside was making threats.

Police have cordoned off the Beckenham shops, though access to Colombo Street is still open.

As a precaution, Police evacuated nearby properties and set up a 100-metre cordon around the address.

Several residents told Chris Lynch Media they received a note in their letterboxes about two weeks ago from a neighbour who openly shared his mental health struggles.

It’s understood the man had been issued an eviction notice and was upset about the situation.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the area until the situation is safely resolved.