Male arrested after police hunt in Foxton

Police have arrested a man after an exntesive search in the small town of Foxton this morning.

A police spokeswoman said they were called to New World just after 9am, after the sighting of a suspicious male.

An eyewitness at the scene said she saw "tonnes" of police near her home just after 9am.

She said a white Ford Mondeo was being searched by police, who unloaded "weapons, bars, a knife and small blue bag with other weapons" out of the car.

However, Foxton officer in charge Dave Fraser said it looked more serious than it was.

He said police were called to New World in Whyte St, following the sighting of a suspicious male wearing an item of clothing like a balaclava covering his lower face.

He was initially spoken to by police but walked off and then ran away.

"While he was evading us, members of the community were calling in to let us know what was going on," he said.

"We found him hiding in a backyard."

Fraser said it transpired the man was avoiding police because he had been driving while disqualified and had warrants out for his arrest.

"Unfortunately for the man he looked suspicious and members of the community called it in.

"It was good having the community help us out and take some ownership," he said.

Foxton New World duty manager Stephen was unwilling to comment until he had spoken to police.