Police have seized a loaded rifle from the car of one of the protesters illegally camped in Canberra’s parliamentary triangle.

A 44-year-old man was arrested after officers carried out a search warrant of his car, with the modified rifle found inside.

An ACT police spokesman said the man was expected to be charged with possessing an illegal firearm, and would face multiple traffic offences due to his car’s roadworthiness.

It came as officers on Friday moved in on the illegal camp of protesters, who have been staying on the grounds of the parliamentary triangle since earlier this week.

About 250 vehicles had been parked around the National Library, with police telling the anti-vaccine mandate protesters they were camping illegally.

The police spokesman said the operation to move the protesters was peaceful and no arrests were made for crowd behaviour.

Four cars were towed away from the site after the owners refused to move them.

Police also seized a small amount of camping and other equipment.

Protesters have been in Canberra as part of the convoy since Monday, holding a march outside Parliament House and attempting to disrupt the prime minister’s address at the National Press Club on Tuesday.

It’s expected the protesters will seek to remain in Canberra until parliament resumes early next week.

Police are warning of traffic disruptions around the parliamentary triangle area in coming days.

“While ACT Policing recognises the rights of people to peacefully protest, when illegal actions take place, the people responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the spokesman said.

The Convoy to Canberra facebook page now has over 175,000 followers since being created on 25 January.

By Andrew Brown in Canberra, AAP

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