Police have charged a person over yesterday's five-hour stand-off in central Wellington

Armed officers were called to reports of a person with a firearm, who was inside a building on Webb Street about 1.30pm.

Police used distraction devices, which created loud bangs which sounded like gunfire.

A 37-year-old's due in court today, charged with unlawfully carrying an imitation firearm.

The incident unfolded in and around a motor inn used for emergency housing.