Replica weapon sparks armed police call-out

An armed policeman on Whangarei's Smeaton Dr after reports of a man carrying a shotgun. Photo / John Stone

Reports of a gunman running around with a shotgun were not linked to a house fire earlier in the day on Smeaton Dr in Whangarei.

Armed police were called to the area about 2.30pm yesterday, but enquiries revealed the weapon was a replica firearm.

The person carrying it was being questioned by police when this edition went to press.

Up to five police cars were seen driving up and down Smeaton Dr and adjacent streets and speaking to residents who were oblivious to what was happening.

No cordon was put in place and residents spilled on to Smeaton Dr out of curiosity to learn more about the police presence.

Two young occupants of a car were spoken to by police.

Whangarei District Council contractors working on the footpath paused briefly when police arrived before getting back to work.

People and vehicles moved freely and there was no palpable sense of armed police around.

Acting Sergeant Robert Eke could not say whether the man carrying a replica firearm would be charged.

The incident was not linked to a house fire earlier in the day, he said.

Meanwhile, police arrested two of four young men who allegedly assaulted a car owner and drove away in his vehicle on Maunu Rd about 11.30am yesterday.

The car was recovered on Otaika Valley Rd about midday. Officers were last night looking for the driver and a passenger.