An investigation's underway to determine whether or not a man killed after a police stand-off in Christchurch posed a threat to the community

Police started looking for the 54-year-old after firearms were discovered at a St Martins property late yesterday.

The man was found in a parked vehicle in the Richmond Park area around 12.30am.

Officers negotiated with him for a number of hours, but when they approached the vehicle they found he was critically injured, with what appeared to be a stab wound.

Police say they'll be carrying out more searches of Christchurch properties, and doing interviews with family and associates.

They say there's no evidence to suggest the man had any involvement in the terror attacks, but it will be part of the investigation.