Armed man charged after Newcastle siege

A 38-year-old man who allegedly barricaded himself in a Newcastle unit with a gun and ammunition has been arrested and charged after a five hour siege.

NSW police surrounded the home near Morpeth and Christo Roads in the suburb of Waratah West on Friday morning. An armoured vehicle known as a BearCat was also on the scene.

The operation began about 10.30 am and ended with the arrest of Solomon Siulai, 38, at about 4 pm.

Police said they negotiated with Siulai, who gave himself up without incident.

Video of the arrest shows him struggling against officers and - at one point - appearing to try and bite them.

Siulai was wanted on a previous warrant.

Police found a firearm and ammunition after searching the unit.

Siulai was charged with firearms offences as well as assault and malicious damage with fire which related to a domestic violence incident from an earlier date.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday.