Officers first arrived at Springvale Road in Mulgrave at 3am today after reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in the street.

Witnesses told police that a man was walking from a cabling pit to the car and back.

Officers then found a 34-year-old man hidden in the pit, with gum tree branches covering the opening in an attempt to conceal himself.

They also found a grinder and multiple cut copper cables once they pulled the man out of the pit.

Attending officers also searched the man’s car, allegedly discovering a gun and registration plates that didn’t match the vehicle.

The 34-year-old was arrested and will be interviewed by police.