Sanford Police announced Tuesday morning that they are conducting a joint operation alongside the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Southern Maine Special Response Team.

In a public safety announcement issued on social media shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sanford Police wrote that they are “currently conducting an operation” in the area of Avon Street, York Street and Tebbetts Avenue.

Police asked residents and visitors to avoid the area until further notice “to ensure public safety and the smooth progression of the operation.”

At 12:25 p.m., Sanford Police provided an update, stating that police presence in the area had been reduced, while recommending that the public continue avoiding the area until all units have cleared.

The Southern Maine Special Response Team (SRT) includes police officers and deputies from across multiple law enforcement agencies within York County, and typically responds to tactical incidents such as armed barricade situations and the execution of high risk search warrants.

This story is developing and will be updated with any additional information