Rural town in lockdown as man waves machete from roof of pub

The Riverina town of Junee is in lockdown as a man, who is armed with what appears to be a machete, is refusing to come down from the roof of the local pub.

The man can be seen walking along the balcony and roof of the Locomotive Hotel while waving the weapon, after earlier barricading himself inside.

A heavy police and paramedic presence remains at the venue on Hill Street after being called to the area about 10am.

Several streets in the city centre have been closed off to pedestrians and traffic as police attempt to negotiate with the man.

Junee Public School, which is across the road from the hotel, was also placed in lockdown but parents have since picked up their children.

It is understood negotiators are trying to talk the man into coming down from the hotel roof as they speak to him from the road.

Police are yet to reveal what the man’s motive might be.