A man, who was allegedly armed with a large knife, has been taken into custody after an hours-long standoff forced the evacuation and lockdown of Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens.

The suspect was spotted sitting shirtless and shoeless on a park bench, images from Nine News show, as uniformed officers tried to negotiate with him.

The incident ended after about three hours, after police reportedly tasered the man.

“Around 1.35pm, police were called to City Botanic Gardens following reports of a man sitting on a bench holding an edged weapon,” Queensland Police said in a statement.

“Around 4.35pm, following negotiations, the man was taken into custody and was transported to hospital with minor injuries.”

A Queensland Police spokesperson earlier said officers had cordoned off the area to nego

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