Two people are dead after a large fight involving up to 100 people on a Gisborne street last night

Police have launched a homicide investigation after disorder broke out on Lytton Rd in Elgin at around 11.30pm.

It prompted a large emergency response - and the bodies of the two men were discovered at the scene as police attempted to gain control.

Three others were taken to Gisborne Hospital in a critical condition.

The Herald is reporting the hospital is in lockdown, and armed police are guarding the doors.

Police say cordons remain in place as a scene examination is carried out this morning.