Man arrested after armed stand-off

Armed police found a 44-year-old man hiding near a Whitianga house last night after the house was surrounded and tear gas was thrown through the windows.

Police said the armed offenders squad raced to the house at Kuaotunu late yesterday after police were told the man had a .303 calibre rifle and a .22 calibre rifle and had allegedly threatened a person over the telephone.

Armed police cordoned off the house about 4pm but appeals for the man to surrender failed and tear gas was used.

When there was no response police went inside and discovered the place was empty.

The man was later found hiding near the house and arrested.

He was due to appear in the Hamilton District Court today on firearm charges.

The two rifles had not been recovered, said police.

- NZPA