Sword and crossbow report sparks AOS callout

File photo / NZ Herald

The Armed Offenders Squad has been stood down in the search for a man believed to have wielded a sword and crossbow in the small West Coast town of Whataroa.

The man, aged 53, allegedly made threats to fellow farm workers at a property in Whataroa, 114km southwest of Hokitika, about 7.40am.

The farm workers left the house and told police the man had a sword and a crossbow.

The West Coast Armed Offenders Squad went to the town but could not find the man. They have now been stood down and local police would continue to seek him out, Greymouth police said.

The man was not believed to pose a threat to the public.

- NZPA