Auckland police and the Armed Offenders Squad have arrested a 40-year-old man outside a mosque in Pakuranga.
A worshipper reported seeing police and the Armed Offenders Squad as people left after Friday prayers.
He said he was terrified they were witnessing a repeat of the March 15 terror attacks in Christchurch, in which 51 peopled died and another 40 hurt, and he and his son ran for cover.
Khalid Baloch said he managed to talk to others in the mosque, who told him that police were focused on a BMW parked over the road.
Police said although the arrest took place outside the mosque, it was in no way related to the mosque.
"We understand that this incident may have caused alarm, but this matter has been resolved and is in no way connected to the mosque."
The arrested man was expected to appear in the Waitakere District Court tomorrow.
