Gun scare keeps pupils in school

Police at the scene. Photo / Amy Colebourn

Children were kept in school after the bell rang and residents advised to stay inside after a man was seen waving a firearm near a busy Auckland street yesterday afternoon.

A woman visiting from Australia called the police after seeing the man with a long-barrel firearm on McFetridge Place, off Coronation Rd in Hillcrest, on the North Shore.

By the time she turned her car around she lost sight of the man.

Senior Sergeant Kevin Brennan said up to 30 officers were involved in the hunt for the 29 year old, who was eventually found in his home, near where he was seen.

A number of main roads were cordoned off during the search - trapping a school bus on one road - and two primary schools were advised to keep children indoors.

Police - who earlier said they had found an air rifle in the man's home - last night confirmed that he had been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

A court date has yet to be confirmed.