An umbrella mistaken for a gun prompted an armed police call out in New Plymouth on Friday.

About 4pm five armed police officers surrounded a house located near the Cameron St and Gilbert St intersection.

Acting sergeant Daniel White said a 13-year-old female had spotted a man carrying what she believed to be firearm while she was walking home from school.

"She's then informed her grandparents who advised police. And we've responded appropriately," White said.

Police spoke with the occupants of the house who were able to suggest the name of a man who was visiting earlier and carrying an item likely to be mistaken for a firearm - an umbrella.

White said police had spoken with the man and no charges were laid.

"We've praised the girl for doing the right thing in a situation like that," he said.