Hendrina residents awoke to warfare on their doorstep this morning after a shoot-out between CIT robbers and police ensued in the streets. They have been ordered to stay indoors while police search for the remaining suspects.

According to a member from Acsu Security, the shootout was the result of an ambush laid by authorities who caught wind of a planned CIT heist.

It is alleged that 17 suspects were hiding for two days in a known drug-house in Brink Street, where they planned on robbing a cash-in-transit vehicle today. The authorities foiled the heist, which in turn, lead to a shoot-out.

The SAPS is moving from home to home, where residents have been barricaded in, to pursue the suspects.

Helicopters are also engaged in aerial searches.

Information was received that four suspects have since been arrested on the Arnot road after trying to flee in a Mercedes. One suspect was injured in the shooting.

The Arnot road has been closed and the N11 Middelburg/Hendrina is currently carrying heavy traffic.

Travellers intending on passing through Hendrina are advised that the situation is volatile, however, reports suggest that the worst of the gunfire has died down.

Residents, who have been hiding under their beds for most of the morning, are still requested to remain locked in their homes, where several blocks have been cordoned off by authorities who are still conducting their search and investigation.

• Several units of the SAPS and Acsu Security are all actively assisting in the search and arrests.