A man has been arrested after a toy gun sparked an armed police response at a West Auckland shopping centre this morning.
Armed police were stationed inside LynnMall at an ASB branch, which was forced to close during the incident.
A staff member at a neighbouring store inside said the bank closed at about 10.30am and armed police were stationed outside.
Another person in the mall said security and police were walking throughout the centre.
“I think everyone was on high alert,” he said.
Police said a man was in custody following an incident where a man entered the mall with what was believed to be a firearm.
“Police immediately deployed to the area, located the man and took him into custody without further incident.
“We have located a toy gun in his possession,” said a police spokesperson.
Police were satisfied that this incident has been resolved and there is no ongoing danger to the public.
The spokesperson said charges were now being considered.
An ASB spokeswoman told the Herald the bank was aware of the incident at its LynnMall branch and said a team of support staff was helping employees.
“Our main concern is the personal safety and wellbeing of our people and customers,” the spokeswoman said.
“We are pleased with the way our team responded to this situation and can confirm no one was hurt. We are working with police as they carry out their inquiries.”
The incident happened at the same mall where Isis supporter Ahamed Aathill Mohamed Samsudeen stabbed five shoppers in a frenzied knife attack before being shot dead by two undercover police officers at the Countdown on September 3, 2021.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.