Man with crossbow arrested outside state parliament

This is the shocking moment a crossbow-wielding man confronted police, telling officers “I’m trying to help you” as they moved in to arrest him.

A crossbow-wielding man who stood on the roof of a car outside state parliament has been arrested by police.

Police observed the 18-year-old man standing on top of a white vehicle armed with a crossbow about 12pm on Spring Street.

“I am trying to help you, man,” the man yelled at police several times.

The man’s weapon was taken away from him and he was quickly handcuffed.

Officers moved the man on to process him.

A man standing on a car with a crossbow outside state parliament.

“Don’t hurt him,” keen onlookers said to police officers on scene.

An onlooker told the man he had their support: “We stand with you, buddy.”

The man was taken away by police.

“The man was arrested immediately without further incident and no one was injured,” a police statement said.

“He was taken to hospital for assessment.”

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.

The incident caused small delays for traffic in the area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.