Man points pistol at police before running off

File photo / NZ Herald

Two police officers had a pistol pointed at them in Mt Wellington today by a man they had stopped because he was acting suspiciously.

A search was underway in the area this evening after the officers were threatened by the man about 6.25pm.

The pair had been patrolling Ruawai Road when they stopped and spoke to the man who was acting in a suspicious manner.

He then pointed the black handgun at them and threatened them before running off through residential properties.

Police had established cordons and were looking for a man in his late 20s or early 30s, wearing a black fleece jacket, black pants and sneakers.

He is about 180cm (6ft) tall and has short hair.

Anyone in the area who has seen anyone fitting this description is asked to call police on 111 and not to approach him.

Inspector Andy Brill said the man had eluded officers and the search was still on.

"He's on the loose but we don't know where."

Inspector Brill said police had positive leads on the suspect but were not willing to share them with the public just yet.

Cordons were removed at 8pm, he said.