Toy water gun prompts armed police response in Worcester

West Mercia Police was called to Wyld's Lane following reports of a group of youths with a firearm, described by the 999 caller as a rifle.

Officers blocked off the road with their vehicles while eyewitnesses said there were at least ten armed officers in the street.

However, armed officers and police dog handlers sent to the scene discovered it was in fact a toy water gun, which police say did have the “size and shape” of a genuine firearm.

Police say they have to treat every call reporting a person with a gun as genuine.

Chief Inspector Julian Smith said: “Due to the nature of the calls armed officers were deployed to the scene, thankfully it was established the weapon was a toy and did not post any threat, however, that was not known at the time, and we must treat every call as genuine.”

Upon arrival officers discovered the firearm was in fact a toy (Image: NQ)

Police first received reports about the group of youths at around 4.30pm on Wednesday (June 21).

The group was allegedly seen walking down Wylds Lane waving around and pretending to shoot the “rifle”.

Armed officers were sent to the scene and discovered the toy had been discarded.

A group of youths were found nearby, but denied any knowledge of the item.

Terrified eyewitnesses were shocked to see about ten armed officers in the street.

One reported seeing two people in handcuffs - however, no arrests were made.