Police have taken a person into custody without incident after a Wellington building was cordoned off following a reported sighting of a firearm.
Officers entered the Webb St building at 6.15pm at took the person into custody without incident.
“Police will remain at the address conducting further enquiries this evening,” a spokesperson said.
Loud bangs were heard earlier this afternoon, with footage captured by 1News showed two officers firing towards the Webb St property, which had been cordoned off in the suburb of Te Aro.
Police have confirmed the bangs were not gunshots but “distraction devices”, and no injuries had been reported.
Loud bangs could be heard as officers attended the serious incident. (Source: 1News)
Inspector Mark Oliver said a report that a person had been seen with what looked like a firearm in their pocket was received at around 1.20pm today.
The person was located a short time later but failed to engage with officers or exit the building for around five hours.
The building of interest was 92-96 Webb St — a transitional housing facility.
Cordons had remained in place on Webb St as officers worked to resolve the situation safely, Oliver said.
“Police would like to thank all those impacted by the cordons for their patience and cooperation as we worked to resolve this situation safely.”
A 1News reporter at the scene said there were ten police cars, a police van, and more than a dozen officers present, most of them armed.
A drone was also being used as part of the operation. Fire and Emergency NZ staff and paramedics were also seen on site.
