Peak-hour citizen's arrest filmed in Melbourne's CBD

A dramatic citizen's arrest has been captured on camera in the heart of Melbourne's CBD after a man began threatening pedestrians with a large metal pole.

The man began blocking the number 59 tram on the intersection of Little Lonsdale Street and Elizabeth Street during peak hour this morning.

He then brings Elizabeth Street traffic to a stand-still as he stood in the middle of the roadway.

Another man from a nearby shop came out to move the man along, but the man with the pole then begins allegedly beating him over the arms with his weapon.

Video from a nearby office building shows as the pole-wielding attacker turns his back, the innocent bystander shoulder charges him.

Police then arrived on the scene and arrested the alleged offender, aged in his 50s.

He was charged with recklessly causing injury, assault with a weapon and possessing a dangerous article.

He's been bailed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates court in May.