Man pulled from car after NSW parliament security scare
Mike Baird/Twitter
Armed police have rushed in and pulled a man from a car after a three-hour stand-off outside the NSW parliament building.
About 10 helmeted officers in flak jackets rushed the car on Macquarie Street just before 1pm (AEDT) on Friday.
They smashed the driver’s window and pulled the man from the vehicle and subdued him on the ground.
A loud sound was heard just beforehand, possibly from a stun canister.
Flashes and smoke could be seen around the car.
The man, who appeared to be in his 50s, was handcuffed and walked to an ambulance .
Officers also removed an item from the sedan. A police spokesman told AAP the man was “safely in custody”, and would be checked by paramedics.
Both the car and the item are being examined by specialists. The man had been sitting in the car since about 11am, negotiating with police and handing pieces of paper out the window.
This week is not a sitting week at parliament so not all ministers and MPs were be in the building.
Apparently the culprit in the attached car – team just asked @barryofarrell to leave so following orders #macqstsiege pic.twitter.com/RteDmVwRiZ
— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) December 20, 2013
However, Treasurer Mike Baird tweeted at midday: With @barryofarrell and we are locked in Parliament House -macq street closed & riot squad ready! Please don’t panic.
Ten minutes later he tweeted: Apparently the culprit in the attached car – team just asked @barryofarrell to leave so following orders.
Macquarie Street was closed in both directions between St James Road and Bent Street while College Street was also closed to northbound traffic at Park Street.
