Two men have been charged after reports of a fake gun triggered a major police operation at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park on Monday afternoon.

A fake gun, vest, plastic handcuffs and a fake police badge were among items seized by officers during the incident.

New South Wales police were called to the precinct, where the Sydney Cricket Ground is, about 4.45pm following reports of chaos as crowds ran from the scene.

Officers, including some in tactical gear, surrounded the two men as confused shoppers and visitors ran for cover.

“On arrival, officers located two men, one of which allegedly wearing a vest and carrying a firearm,” the force said in a statement.

Witnesses said people were “running and screaming” near the stadium, with confusion spreading quickly through the busy entertainment and dining area.

Several people shared video of the incident on social media, including one post captioned: “something going down in Moore Park Sydney right now”, showing dozens of police officers swarming the area.

“The two men, aged 35 and 39, were arrested and a replica firearm, a vest, plastic handcuffs, and a badge were seized,” police said.

Police also seized a cardboard box labelled “Hard Drugs”, handwritten in large lettering, which appeared to be part of the props allegedly being carried by the men.

Both men were taken to Surry Hills Police Station where officers later searched the 39-year-old and allegedly found prohibited drugs.

The 35-year-old man has been charged with possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place and behave in offensive manner in/near public place/s. He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 7 on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old man was charged with possess prohibited drug and was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 20.

Police on Monday confirmed there was “no ongoing threat to public safety”, despite the alarming scenes.

No injuries have been confirmed and authorities have not released further details about what sparked the incident.

The Entertainment Quarter, located next to Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, spans more than 11 hectares and includes cinemas, restaurants, bars and shops.