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(Image: IRISHNEWS/DS)

Cops were scrambled to a polling station in Northern Irlenad after reports a man pulled out a handgun.

The gunman reportedly then threatened unionists at the station in a school in Greencastle, West Tyrone.

The man, who has not been named, was believed to have fled the scene before police arrived.

Police, who confirmed that no weapon was fired in the incident, said shortly afterwards that they were looking to find the suspect.

(Image: GOOGLE)

It has since emerged the Police Service of Northern Ireland has arrested a 59-year-old male suspect.

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."

Ulster Unionist candidate Chris Smyth tweeted about the incident.

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He wrote: "I have been informed by the police that a man walked into the Greencastle polling station with what appeared to be a handgun and said to those present that if any unionists were around, he would shoot them," he said.

"I am shocked and appalled that something like this could happen."

Mr Smyth added, according to Belfast Live: "I have been informed by the police that a man walked into the Greencastle polling station with what appeared to be a handgun and said to those present that if any unionists were around, he would shoot them.

Alliance Party candidate Stephen Donnelly said: "I am disturbed to hear reports of alleged gunman at Greencastle polling station threatening voters before fleeing.

"If true this is an outrageous challenge to rule of law, respect for democratic process and to safety of Greencastle voters."