Police have arrested a 30-year-old man accused of trying to break into a police station in the Eastern Bay of Plenty this morning

Someone tried to gain entry to the Kawerau station just before 3am, smashing windows and attempting to smash a glass door, before driving away.

A pick axe was located nearby.

The Armed Offenders Squad took a man into custody about three hours later.

He's appeared in the Whakatane District Court, charged with intentional damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.