Man arrested after armed standoff

File photo / Sarah Ivey

A 37-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested following a five-hour armed standoff in Manawatu today.

Police were called to Scotts Road, near Linton, about 9.20am following reports a man was threatening to harm himself with a firearm in a parked vehicle.

Police said about 15 officers, including an armed offenders squad, responded and cordoned off the south-east side of Scotts Road from Tennant Road.

They negotiated with the man by phone and verbally for five hours.

About 2.50pm, police used tear gas, which caused the man to leave his vehicle and he was arrested.

A loaded semi-automatic .22 calibre rifle and ammunition were found in the vehicle.

The man will appear in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow charged with firearms-related offences.

- NZPA