'Assault rifle' sparked armed police response - but it was actually a water pistol

Three teenagers were arrested aft equipped officers and a constabulary chopper were seen successful the area, pursuing reports a 'gun' had been pointed retired of a car model portion travelling from Newton Abbot to Torquay

An 'assault rifle' recovered successful Plymouth which led to the apprehension of 3 teenagers was a h2o pistol, police person confirmed.

Armed officers and a constabulary chopper were called aft the 'weapon' was pointed retired of a car model portion travelling from to Torquay. The exigency services were called astatine astir 5pm connected Monday, September 17.

Devon and Cornwall Police discovered a replica battle firearm successful a stationary conveyance successful Plympton during their search. A unit spokesperson has since clarified that the replica weapon, which bore a striking resemblance to an battle rifle, was so a h2o gun, PlymouthLive reported.

Three 19-year-old boys were taken into custody connected suspicion of possessing a firearm with the volition to origin fearfulness of violence. Two of them person since been released connected constabulary bail, portion nary further enactment wtaken against the third.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called astatine astir 5pm pursuing reports of a firearm being pointed retired of the model of a car travelling from Newton Abbot towards Torquay.

"Armed officers and the NPAS chopper were deployed and pursuing a hunt the conveyance was located stationary successful Plympton. Three 19-year-old males from Plymouth were detained and arrested connected suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to origin fearfulness of violence.

"Two person been released connected constabulary bail and the 3rd volition beryllium the taxable of nary further action. A hunt of the car uncovered a replica battle rifle."