Man behind bars after threatening Work and Income office with a gun

Police were called to the Linwood Work and Income office. Photo / File

A man arrested after trying to enter a Christchurch Work and Income office with a gun is behind bars tonight.

Mitchell Moulton, 32, appeared in the city's district court this afternoon and was ordered to stay in custody until his next appearance.

Moulton was spotted carrying a firearm outside the Linwood WINZ office on Aldwins Rd this morning.

He is charged with discharging a pistol in a public place, possession of a pistol and possession of cannabis, and is yet to enter pleas.

Superintendent John Price said police were called to the office about 8.45am.

"The man failed to gain entry to the office and fled the scene in a vehicle," he said.

Police stopped the vehicle about 9.15am as it travelled along Ferry Road near the intersection with Ensors Rd.

After a short foot chase Moulton was arrested without incident.Nobody was injured but the Linwood WINZ was closed while police spoke with staff and early today all other WINZ offices were placed in lock-down.

The incident came a month after the first anniversary of the fatal shooting at the Ashburton Winz office.

Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland were killed in the September 1, 2014 shooting on Cass St.

Russell John Tully has been charged with the murder of the two women, as well as the attempted murder of Lindy Curtis and Kim Adams.