A police operation in Millfield this morning has wrapped up with an arrest.
At about 10.30am a 36-year-old man was arrested at a home on Wollombi Road, southeast of Cessnock.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police district arrived on scene at around 1.30am were the man had barricaded himself inside his house.
Police established a perimeter and locals were urged to avoid the area, with homes and stores evacuated and Millfield Public School was temporarily closed as a precaution.
The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he is currently assisting police with inquiries.
Roads have reopened and those evacuated are free to return home.