More than a dozen police swarmed on Auckland's Queen St this evening, making two arrests as crowds of passers-by watched and filmed.
At least five police cars and a police van rushed to the footpath outside Centre Court on Lower Queen St about 5.40pm.
Two women were arrested while screaming abuse as crowds watched, a witness said.
It was not known what sparked the commotion.
At one point half a dozen officers stood in line ready to assist, as others worked to bring the situation under control, a witness said.
The incident was resolved within about 15 minutes and police have now left the scene.
A Police spokesman said two women were arrested for liquor offences.
Three arrests in the Eastern District were related to reported breaches of the Gangs Act.