Man smokes cigar while armed during police operation in Melbourne CBD

Following a wild police chase, footage has emerged of a man walking through Melbourne’s CBD smoking a cigar while holding a firearm.

Tactical police reportedly set upon the man in a lane on Bourke Street during rush hour on Tuesday morning.

While police have confirmed the arrest of a man in the CBD following a series of alleged car thefts, details of the arrest are still scant.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a police helicopter coming from above and seeing specialist police dressed in camouflage on the side of the road.

The man was reportedly injured during the arrest and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Police are expected to speak to the media later Tuesday.

More to come