Man with knife takes woman hostage in Vic

A man armed with a knife has taken a woman hostage inside a house in Victoria's southeast.

Police and specialists units were called to a property in Moe, 120km east of Melbourne about 5.15pm on Sunday after reports a man locked himself and a woman in a house.

Police spokeswoman Creina O'Grady said it was believed the incident started after an argument between the pair.

Ms O'Grady said the man was believed to be armed with a knife and police were on scene trying to negotiate.

The house and surrounding streets had been cordoned off with the Critical Incident Response Team en route.

There was no risk to the general public, police said.