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A man was allegedly carrying a gun at a polling station in Northern Ireland - with cops seen descending on the scene.

The male is reported to have taken out a handgun at a polling centre in Greencastle,County Tyrone then leaving the scene after officers were called.

However, it is understood police received no reports of anyone being threatened at the centre.

Voters in West Tyrone have gone to the polls for a Westminster by-election caused by the resignation of former MP Barry McElduff.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland initially said they had received a report of "a man acting suspiciously" at the polling station.

"It was reported that the man may have been carrying a firearm," the force added.

The PSNI. the police force in Northern Ireland, has now confirmed that a 59-year-old man has been arrested.

(Image: @ChrisSmyth237/Twitter)

A statement tweeted by the force said: "Omagh police investigating an incident at a polling station in Greencastle, have arrested a 59 yo man on susp of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or alarm. (SIC).

"He has been taken into custody for questioning.

"Further searches as part of the investigation are ongoing."

Chris Smyth, the Ulster Unionist candidate, had said there was "a strong, armed police presence at the scene."