Police this morning arrested a 39-year-old Hobart man following a disturbance at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

At around 9.25am, police were in attendance at Accident and Emergency at the Royal Hobart Hospital during the course of routine duties.

While a police officer was standing at the triage desk, a man waiting to be admitted approached the officer from behind and attempted to take hold of the officer’s firearm.

Police immediately responded and placed the man under arrest.  At no stage did the man take control of the firearm, and no person was injured during the incident.

The man is currently assisting police in relation to this matter and a number of unrelated stealing complaints.

“I would like to reassure everyone who was in the waiting room and triage area of the hospital that police always had control of the situation and there was no risk to their safety,” said Sergeant Connor.