A man has been arrested in central Auckland after being found carrying a samurai sword.

Inspector Danny Meade said police responded to information a person was believed to be carrying a firearm on Upper Queen St.

Armed units swarmed the area and made inquiries but any presence of a firearm in the area was unable to be sustained.

Camera operators helped to locate the individual with the sword. They spotted him walking on Vincent St and police quickly approached the man before taking him into custody.

“Police have located and seized a samurai sword wrapped in a jacket, which this man was carrying,” Meade said.

“This man is now in police custody and will face charges relating to possessing an offensive weapon.

“Police take any reports concerning firearms seriously.”

There was no information to suggest the samurai sword was presented at any members of the public.