Police officers in Christchurch have converged on New Brighton Beach in an effort to apprehend a man.

According to eyewitnesses, the beach’s parking area was teeming with police units.

On shore, officers were trying to coax a man out of the water, who was carrying frying pan.

A witness who’d just been for a swim said the site was “rather bizarre and a small crowd had gathered to watch the situation unfold.”

Another witness said part of the beach was blocked off at North Beach end and drone was being operated by police at the local surf club.

Police were approached for comment.