Person taken into custody after potential firearm sighting sparks chaos in Wellington

A person has been taken into custody following a reported sighting of a firearm in Wellington.

Armed police swarmed the corner of Webb and Victoria Sts in Te Aro at 1.20pm after they received a report that someone had been seen with what looked like a firearm in their pocket.

Cordons were put up in Victoria St and Webb St.

At 6.15pm, police entered the Webb Street building and took one person into custody.

Cordons from Victoria St have since been lifted, however, Webb St cordons remain.

Police said they will remain at the address conducting further enquiries this evening.

The chaotic scene, which continued for about three hours, saw armed and regular police in the area.

A Herald reporter at the scene said one fire engine and one ambulance were also present.

They said they had heard “three loud bangs from the building”.

Police said the loud bangs were from distraction devices, not gunshots.

The distraction devices were used in a bid to engage with the man.

Police on the scene on Webb St, Wellington, earlier today.

A resident who had been living in the building for nine months told the Herald he had no idea what is going on and that police had not told him anything.