Fake gun sparks major police operation in Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park ‘Avoid the area’
Two men have been arrested after one was allegedly spotted carrying a fake gun in Sydney’s busy Entertainment Quarter, sparking widespread panic.
NSW Police were called to Moore Park, in Sydney’s inner-east, shortly before 5pm on Monday following reports of an armed man.
It is understood a man wearing a bulletproof vest with an American flag and what appeared to be a gun taped to his chest, was spotted circling in and out of restaurants and acting suspiciously.
Several witnesses called triple-zero, triggering a large police response involving dozens of officers.
The man was eventually cornered by officers and arrested.
A second detained man was barefoot as he was bundled into the back of a police van.
NSW Police confirmed two men, aged 35 and 39, were arrested at 5.10pm.
‘The public are urged to avoid the area,’ a statement read
A man was seen with a fake weapon (above) taped to his chest in east Sydney
NSW Police have arrested two people after a man was alleged seen carrying a fake gun in Moore Park
One of the men (above) was seen wearing body armour featuring an American flag
‘There is no ongoing threat to public safety.
‘No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided here as they become available.’
Up to 20 police vehicles and tactical operation teams attended the scene.
Neary restaurants and schools went into lockdown during the police operation to keep the public safe.
‘My friend saw out of the corner of his eye a man coming forward,’ one woman told Nine News.
‘We saw a gun on his chest but we were like, ‘Is he wearing a costume? Is it real?’ It looked like a pistol.
‘It was really scary. I’ve never seen something like that happen in real life, so it was terrifying.’
Police arrested two people in Moore Park Entertainment Quarter about 5pm
Both men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station to be questioned by officers.
No charges have yet been laid.
