Man arrested after armed alert

File photo / Martin Sykes

A 53-year-old man sought by police after reports he had a sword and crossbow around the small West Coast town of Whataroa was arrested this morning.

The Armed Offenders Squad was searching for the man after he allegedly made threats to fellow farm workers at a property in Whataroa, 114km southwest of Hokitika, about 7.40am.

The farm workers left the house and police were told the man had a sword and a crossbow.

Constable Paul Gurney said the man was caught this morning after local farmer saw him walking on the State Highway 6.

Police found two large knives and a crossbow in his vehicle.

Mr Gurney said that the man would appear in court today facing threatening behaviour and trespass charges. A mental health assessment would be sought.

- NZPA