The Australian Defence Force has apologised after a 'training' exercise in Brisbane yesterday led to multiple school lockdowns and the dramatic arrest of a supposedly armed man wearing combat gear.

Police swarmed into an area on Brisbane's southside yesterday afternoon following reports that an armed man was prowling the area.

Rochedale High School, Redeemer Lutheran College and a childcare centre went into lockdown after a member of the public called police, fearing a gunman was on the loose.

The man was arrested about an hour later.

View photos Police rushed to the scene today. Source: 7 News. More

The Australian Defence Force has now apologised for the incident, saying the man was on a routine training exercise in the area and unaware of the events he had caused.

View photos Images from the scene. Source: 7 News. More

View photos Dramatic scenes today as police locate the man. Souce: 7 News. More

"The member was conducting a routine individual physical training exercise in a public area, and was unaware of the disruption the training activity had caused," the ADF said in a statement.

"Defence apologises for the concern or disruption this incident has caused and extends its appreciation to the Brisbane community for their ongoing support."

View photos The man was later taken to a local police station. Source: 7 News. More

The ADF confirmed the man was wearing camouflage, a backpack and carrying a replica semi-automatic weapon.

He has been charged with public nuisance and will appear in Holland Park Magistrates Court on December 9.



