A man who fired several shots at police vehicles in a Townsville suburb has been found dead inside a home following a near 10-hour siege.

Queensland police declared an emergency about 9pm on Sunday for an area of Kirwan bordered by Dalrymple Rd, Kern Brothers Dr, Sandstone Dr and Golf Links Dr.

The emergency declaration followed earlier reports a man armed with a gun was alone in a home in Elphinstone Dr.

Police said the man reportedly fired several shots, hitting nearby houses, a car and responding officers’ vehicles.

Damage included bullet holes in windscreens and panels of five vehicles, Acting Inspector Darren Randall told reporters on Monday.

He said he believed there were police officers in the cars when they were fired on.

“When the initial responding police attended and were met with the discharge of the firearms, negotiators were immediately called (and) specialist police were put on standby,” he said.

Negotiators were unable to engage with the man, Insp Randall said.

He thanked nearby neighbours who offered shelter to the under-fire officers.

“To open up your home in a potential time of crisis, to let in police and assist police in that matter is an incredibly brave thing to do and something that the police service is incredibly grateful for,” he said.

Police have not detailed what sort of weapon was used and have confirmed officers did not fire back.

Residents within the exclusion zone were urged to stay inside their properties and lock their doors during the siege.

The emergency order was revoked at 6.45am after police entered the home and found a 50-year-old man dead. 

A crime scene has been declared and a report will be prepared for the coroner. 

No one else was injured.

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