Man with axe held in Parliament grounds

A man who allegedly carried a knife, tomahawk and imitation gun onto Parliament grounds yesterday is to appear in court today.

The man was spotted acting suspiciously by security staff on Parliament's forecourt about 2pm.

"A man with a small axe, like a hatchet, was found in the grounds of Parliament and was questioned ... and couldn't provide a reasonable explanation," Parliament security and operations manager Andrew Standish said.

The man was escorted from the grounds and the police called. He was arrested in an alley off nearby Molesworth St.

Wellington area controller Inspector Marty Grenfell said the man was carrying an imitation pistol and a knife as well as the tomahawk.

"We've not established his motivation, and he's not exactly been forthcoming on what he was intending to do."

A 28-year-old man will face two charges of possession of an offensive weapon and one charge of possession of an imitation firearm in Wellington District Court. Yesterday most MPs were in their electorates in readiness for Anzac Day services.

- NZPA