A man has been charged after he was arrested by police carrying a replica firearm in Hamilton South last night.

About 6.30pm (Thursday 1 January 2014), police were patrolling Fowler Street when they were flagged down by a member of the public who directed them to a man allegedly carrying a firearm.

Officers from Newcastle Local Area Command arrested a 49-year-old Kurri Kurri man. A search revealed the man to be in possession of a replica pistol.

The replica pistol was seized and will undergo forensic examination.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with possession of an unauthorised pistol and affray.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday 29 January 2015.

Police will allege that prior to the arrest the man used the replica pistol to threaten another man known to him earlier the same day.