Helicopter alert over boy of 16 carrying BB gun

The police helicopter, armed officers and officers from the neighbourhood policing team were sent to the area.

A 16-year-old was arrested at his home in a nearby street an hour later and a BB gun seized. He was reprimanded for the incident but not formally charged.

A police spokeswoman said: "The 16-year-old may not have known what danger he had put himself in. The witnesses believed the gun to be real and could not have known otherwise. Carrying BB guns and using them in public is illegal.

"These weapons are manufactured in such a way that even our trained police firearms officers cannot always tell them apart from the real thing.

"This means that anyone carrying, or worse, using, one of these weapons in public may find the police have been called and may even find themselves confronted by armed police officers.

"This is something we obviously do not want to happen as it increases the risks for all involved.

"Anyone found in possession of a BB gun in a public place is likely to find themselves being arrested and could be fined 5,000, sentenced to six months' imprisonment, or both.

"BB gun owners should also be aware that if a pellet strikes someone, it is common assault and they could find themselves before a court.

"We want your help to reduce the use of these weapons in our neighbourhoods and the public concerns that they cause.

"If your child, or children, either have a BB gun or have access to one through family or friends, I would ask that you speak to them and ensure they are aware of the law and the consequences of misuse."