A 27 year old Launceston man has been charged overnight with being unlawfully armed in public and common assault after an isolated incident at a Kings Meadows shopping complex.

Police were called about 4pm Thursday after reports a man threatened a security guard while in possession of a knife.

Nobody was physically injured and the man allegedly fled the scene before being located at an address in Youngtown by police a short time later.

He was taken into custody without incident.

He was charged and will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.

Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au