A major crimes unit is investigating an ongoing incident on Salt Spring Island, but police are offering little in the way of details.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit confirmed it sent officers to the Southern Gulf Island sometime Wednesday.

VIIMCU would only say its members were on scene at a duplex on Maliview Drive, north of Ganges, but did not elaborate on what they were investigating.

Neighbours told CTV News an armed standoff of some sort occurred in the morning.

Police instructed those living in the area to stay inside their homes while the incident unfolded, but RCMP officials said the public is not at risk.

An air ambulance could later be seen landing at a local hospital.

The home the investigation is centered on remained behind police tape early Wednesday evening.

The BC Coroner's Service confirmed it was also investigating, but referred all other inquiries to VIIMCU.

The major crimes unit is generally tasked with investigating homicides, missing persons where foul play is suspected and unsolved homicides, according to its website.