A family harm incident at a Christchurch motel prompted a large scale police response tonight.

Police were called to the Earnslaw Motel on Blenheim Road.

Armed police surrounded the front of the motel, which is opposite The Warehouse.

At least 11 patrol units were at the scene including a police dog handler unit.

A man was handcuffed and taken away in a patrol car.

Eyewitnesses said a woman was handcuffed behind her back before eventually being released by officers.

A motel staff member said a couple staying at the facility had gotten into a heated and loud argument.

A police spokesman said it was a family harm incident and a man was taken into custody.