Armed police respond to reports of a male with a gun in Redcar McDonalds
It turned out to be a boy with a wooden replica
Armed response officers from Cleveland Police have been reacting to reports of a man with a handgun in his pocket in a McDonalds in Redcar.
They received the call to Thrush Road yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 4 April).
When they arrived, they discovered it was a wooden replica gun - and no threats had been made.
The 15-year-old boy was taken home by officers and given advice.
A statement from Cleveland Police said:
'Armed response officers were called to McDonalds on Thrush Road in Redcar this afternoon, following several reports that a male inside of the restaurant had a handgun in his pocket.
'Whilst the gun looked real to the customers who contacted police with good intention, following closer inspection by the officers who attended it was established that this was a wooden replica gun and no threats had been made.
'The 15-year-old boy was taken home by officers and provided with strong words of advice in front of his parents.
'Officers would like to thank the public-spirited customers who contacted us, ensuring that swift action was taken so it could be confirmed that everyone was safe. '