A suspect described as armed and in distress forced Montreal police to close down a section of Old Montreal for several hours tonight.

The man in his 50's contacted the authorities himself, telling them he was outside Notre Dame Basilica.

Police quickly moved in, cordoning off a large area and evacuating the church and businesses.

The suspect eventually threw his weapon to the ground -  that turned out to be a fake gun - and officers arrested him.

A psychiatric evaluation has been ordered.