Taranaki AOS call out ends in arrest

File photo / Northern Advocate

Armed police blocked off a road near New Plymouth yesterday and used smoke grenades and flashbangs after an armed man barricaded himself in a rural house.

Police were called at 2.20pm to an Upper Weld Rd address, just south of Oakura, after reports of a domestic dispute.

Weld Rd was blocked off at the intersection with State Highway 45 and an ambulance was also on standby, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

The AOS was called in about 3.15pm after reports of firearms in the house.

Armed police cordoned off the property and smoke grenades and thunder flashes were reportedly seen from a kilometre away.

A 59-year-old man was arrested and will appear in New Plymouth District Court today.

- NZPA