Anonymous tip led to armed call-out, say police

Armed police stationed outside a Westpac Bank on Queen and Street in central Auckland. Photo / Greg Bowker

Armed police acting on inaccurate information from an anonymous tipster have been called off patrol in Auckland central.

Officers earlier surrounded the Westpac Bank branch on Queen Street.

Police Inspector Kerry Watson said the officers had been acting on information given to them by an unnamed person at about 8am which had proved to have "no substance".

They were not focused on a specific area, but had been patrolling a general location in the city centre, he said.

He would not reveal details about the content of the anonymous information, but said it was something police needed to act on.

"This was anonymous information. Sometimes it's just one of those things you have to keep close to your chest."

The police patrols had been stood down just after 1pm, he said.

- NZ HERALD STAFF