Armed police descended on a street in Liverpool this afternoon after reports of a man seen with a 'gun'. Merseyside Police were called to City Road in Walton at around 2.50pm following reports three men were involved in an argument and one of them was holding a gun.
Police said armed officers attended the scene, where a man was detained and an imitation firearm was recovered. No injuries have been reported.
Neighbour Describes Scene
One neighbour told the Liverpool Echo: "We heard loads of yelling outside at around 3pm. A few minutes later, armed police units arrived... It was a bit mad but it was all cleared up fairly quickly."
Arrest and Charges
A 48-year-old man from the Walton area has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and affray. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said searches are continuing to trace the other two men believed to have been involved in the disturbance. Police added they are not aware of any ongoing threat to the public in connection with the incident.
Police Warning on Imitation Firearms
Chief Inspector Andy Foster said: “To the untrained eye, an imitation firearm and BB guns can cause fear and harm to people who wouldn’t know the difference between them or a more dangerous weapon if confronted with one.
“We rely on information given to us by the public and this makes a huge difference in identifying suspects, seizing weapons and removing suspects who would bring lethal weapons onto our streets.
“It is vital that members of our communities come forward with information so we can make our communities safer for the decent, law-abiding people who live in areas affected by gun crime.
“Where people are willing to support the police, we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to them.
“And if you don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the police call the independent, anonymous, Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, we need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.”
Road Closure Lifted
A road closure was in place and has now been reopened.
