Police have warned imitation firearm owners have been warned to expect a response if they carry the weapons in public after a man was arrested and a BB gun was seized..

Officers attended the scene at 11.16am on Thursday (3) following reports that someone was carrying an assault rifle whilst walking down Goldcrest Road.

The weapon – later confirmed to be a BB gun – was found discarded in a bush by police, who also detained a suspect at the scene.

The item was quickly identified as being a non-viable firearm, with the 38-year-old man stopped on the street subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

After being brought into custody, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

PC Zak Haynes, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thankfully for everybody concerned, the weapon seized during this incident was an imitation firearm, as opposed to a viable one.

“Nevertheless, this should serve as a warning to anyone who carries a BB gun, air gun, or other type of imitation firearm, that reports of this nature will be treated with the utmost seriousness and prompt a robust police response.

“Brandishing any kind of firearm in a public place is an incredibly serious offence and will always be met with swift action by Nottinghamshire Police.”