Man allegedly tries to smash way into Bay of Plenty police station

A man has been arrested after he allegedly damaged the Kawerau police station in an attempt to gain entry in the early hours of this morning.

Senior Sergeant Al Fenwick said a man smashed windows and attempted to smash a glass door at the station on Bledisloe St at around 2.50am.

An officer was inside the station at the time and a pickaxe was located by staff nearby, he added.

"The offender did not gain entry to the station and left the area in a vehicle."

Police identified a suspect after making inquiries. He was located at an address in the Cobham Dr area.

The area was cordoned off and the armed offenders squad took the man into custody just after 6.25am.

Fenwick thanked the community for their cooperation and understanding while the incident was resolved.

A 30-year-old man appeared in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with intentional damage and possession of an offensive weapon.