Two men have been charged after reports of a fake gun triggered a major police operation at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park on Monday afternoon.
New South Wales police were called to the precinct, where the Sydney Cricket Ground is, about 4.45pm following reports of chaos as crowds ran from the scene.
“On arrival, officers located two men, one of which allegedly wearing a vest and carrying a firearm,” the force said in a statement.
Witnesses said people were “running and screaming” near the stadium, with confusion spreading quickly through the busy entertainment and dining area.
“The two men, aged 35 and 39, were arrested and a replica firearm, a vest, plastic handcuffs, and a badge were seized,” police said.
Both men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station where officers later searched the 39-year-old and allegedly found prohibited drugs.
The 35-year-old man has been charged with possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place and behave in offensive manner in/near public place/s. He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 7 on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old man was charged with possess prohibited drug and was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 20.
Police on Monday confirmed there was “no ongoing threat to public safety”, despite the alarming scenes.
No injuries have been confirmed and authorities have not released further details about what sparked the incident.
The Entertainment Quarter sits alongside the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium.