A man was arrested following a firearm incident in Papanui on Monday night.

A police spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com officers arrested the man who was in possession of a firearm on Papanui Road around 7:35pm.

A witness said Papanui Road, near KFC, was swarming with armed police.

A staff member at the Rose and Thistle said they were in the midst of their weekly quiz when she noticed police vehicles arriving outside.

“I thought they had pulled someone over, but then saw officers passing our windows with their guns drawn.”

Police seized the firearm and were speaking with those in the area to understand what happened, the spokeswoman said.

A 38-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and was due to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow.