Armed police deployed in Redditch following report of person with a handgun

On Thursday (25 May) evening at around 8.30pm police responded to report of a man with a hand gun in Alcester Street in Redditch.

Due to the nature of the report armed officers attended and a teenage boy was detained in Hewell Road after having to be challenged by armed officers. The weapon was seized by officers, and it was established to be an imitation firearm.

Following the incident, a 16-year-boy was given a warning, released by officers, and collected by his mother.

Chief Inspector Charles Parker said: “Due to the nature of the call armed officers were deployed to the scene, thankfully it was established the weapon was an imitation firearm and did not post any threat, however, that was not known at the time, and we must treat every call as genuine.

” You might be messing about with your mates and waving the gun around, thinking it is a harmless bit of fun, but when we receive a report of youths with a gun in a public place our officers have to make a call as to just how much of a threat you are.

"They have to decide if the firearm is real, and it can be hard to tell from a distance. You do not want to be in a situation where you have firearms officers pointing real guns at you, and they don’t want to be in this position either.

“So please, before you head out with any imitation firearm or BB gun, think - do not put yourself in what could be a very dangerous situation.

“Carrying an Imitation Firearm in a Public place is a criminal offence, which could get yourself a criminal record for what may seem like harmless fun.”

If you have information but do not feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Issued by JL, Corporate Communications.