Orana Local Area Command Inspector Jason Pietruszka said police “had cause to evacuate a number of residents from Wrigley Street” at 1am, and “a police operation was conducted”.

“Just before 9am a 47-year-old male was taken into police custody,” Inspector Pietruszka said.

“The man was then conveyed to hospital by NSW Ambulance for assessment.

“No one was injured and the residents were allowed back into their properties.”

NSW Ambulance confirmed they were called to the Wrigley Street incident about 12.30am, and ended up transferring one male patient to Dubbo Base Hospital.

Gilgandra Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service crews also attended.

Police declined to comment on what prompted the evacuation, but said investigations were ongoing.

One evacuee, who did not wish to be named, said “we were asked to evacuate immediately” along with “everybody else on our block” because “there was threat in the area”.

“When I asked if my dogs would be ok at home the officer said he couldn’t guarantee their safety so we took them with us,” they said.

“Myself and my family were very confused. We were all half asleep and suffering an adrenaline rush at the same time.

“It was such a hurry to get dressed grab the dogs and get out. Only one of us remembered to take a wallet!”

Residents – many assisting elderly neighbours – proceeded down the street to St Joseph’s Catholic School where police took their details, the evacuee said.

At 3.30am they were advised to find alternate accommodation for the night.

By Wednesday morning, once residents were allowed to return, Wrigley Street was eerily quiet.

“There were police cars still hanging around when we came home,” the evacuee said.

“The tape and all other evidence has disappeared .... That in itself is eerie and there seem to be less people around (I'm assuming like me they are exhausted) it's just quiet now.

“Quite the change from all the lights flashing.”