Police seize realistic fake gun from young lads in Manchester 'playing gangsta'.
Officers warn of the dangers
Last updated 9th Nov 2017
Greater Manchester Police are warning of the dangers of immitation firearms after neighbourhood on patrol in Ancoats spotted a group of lads acting suspiciously in a car on a side street. The air pistol was found in the foot well along with bags of cannabis. Luckily, the occupants explained that it wasn't a real gun and let them seize it.
Writing on their Facebook Page - GMP Manchester North posted the following update with the title:
"ANCOATS AINT NO GANGSTER’S PARADISE"
'In this current climate can you imagine how dangerous it is to drive around with a realistic looking imitation firearm? This is the situation two of our Neighbourhood Officers faced recently and the consequences could have been much more serious than they turned out to be. Whilst patrolling the Ancoats Village area they noticed some males in a vehicle acting suspiciously on a side street. As they were about to search the occupants they found the air pistol in the foot well along with bags of cannabis. Luckily for the offenders they immediately advised the officers of what was in the car, and let the officers seize it, explaining that it was not a real gun. However, upon inspection, as you can see, the weapon was found to be a very realistic imitation.
'This could have easily been mistaken for a genuine firearm! And make no mistake; having this in public is also a criminal offence. The males were immediately arrested and they have now been dealt with. But neither the Firearms Unit that were around the corner, or the Neighbourhood Officers dealing with these individuals, was aware initially that the gun was not a real firearm so this could have turned into something much more serious. As it is, the male in question is a seemingly decent working lad that was just showing off to his mates and playing at being “gangsta” to big up his rep. But the outcome of this incident could have been radically different.
Remember, even imitation firearms are not allowed in public and there are consequences