A senior Waikato Police officer is commending the actions of two Constables early this morning who followed their instincts about something not looking right and ended up arresting a cyclist, armed with a shotgun.

Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Greg Nicholls, says two officers were conducting a routine patrol in Fairview Downs about 12.30am when they noticed a cyclist who appeared out of place who was not wearing a cycle helmet.

"They pulled the man over on near the intersection of Fairview and Radiata Streets and when they were talking to him noticed a shotgun cartridge fall to the ground as he emptied his pockets.

"A subsequent search revealed the 35-year-old man had a sawn-off double barrelled shotgun concealed down the front of his trousers and another round in his pockets. The man told officers he had the firearm for protection and had gone out earlier in the evening to test that it worked."

Mr Nicholls says incidents of people arming themselves in such a way were thankfully rare but something that could not be accepted.

"The man was arrested for unlawfully carrying/ possession of a firearm and ammunition and will appear in the Hamilton District Court later today.

"What started as a routine stop ended up by removing the risk to the public posed by a firearm being illegally in possession of a person well known to Police. Anyone who believes they have sufficient grounds to fear for their safety is urged to contact the Police and not place themselves, and others, at further risk."

Source: Waikato Police.