Armed police officers swooped in on a busy road in Middlesbrough only to be confronted with a teenage boy and a water pistol.
Cleveland Police rushed to the scene on Acklam Road after reports of a male pointing a handgun at passing vehicles. The incident occurred shortly before 4pm on December 27. When police arrived they found what appeared to be a handgun on the ground.
However, upon closer inspection it was revealed the weapon was actually a replica water pistol. Cleveland Police said officers took a 14-year-old boy home and spoke with him in front of his parents. The force said it takes all firearms reports seriously, and thanked the members of the public who contacted them.
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Police took the 14-year-old boy home
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Image:
Teesside Live)
A spokesperson said: “A 14-year-old boy was taken home by officers, who provided with strong words of advice in front of his parents. Cleveland Police takes all reports of firearms extremely seriously and would like to thank the member of the public who contacted us, ensuring that swift action was taken to ensure everyone was safe.”
Pictures from the scene show a fleet of Cleveland Police vehicles stationed on the road, with their blue lights illuminated, Gazette Live reports. According to witnesses, Acklam Road was closed by police at the junction with Mandale Road but reopened a short time later.
A similar incident occurred in back in September when a firearm, which was actually a water gun, led to the arrest of three teenagers. Devon and Cornwall Police said at the time: “Police were called at around 5pm following reports of a firearm being pointed out of the window of a car travelling from Newton Abbot towards Torquay.
“Armed officers and the NPAS helicopter were deployed and following a search the vehicle was located stationary in Plympton. Three 19-year-old males from Plymouth were detained and arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
“Two have been released on police bail and the third will be the subject of no further action. A search of the car uncovered a replica assault rifle.”