A male has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm after an incident in Childwall yesterday (Thursday 5 June).

Merseyside Police called to Merthyr Grove just after 15.05pm to a report a male had been seen with what appeared to be a firearm in his pocket. 

The male was reported to have made his way from Inchcape Road, and officers deployed to the area detained him on Chelwood Avenue at around 3.30pm.

Following further searches an imitation firearm was recovered.

A 15-year-old male from Childwall was arrested and charged with possession of an imitation firearm in a public place and criminal damage.

Detective Inspector Steve Street said: “To the untrained eye, imitation firearms can look like real firearms and are capable of causing a huge amount of fear and harm.

“We take all reports of firearms seriously, whether they turn out to be viable or imitation. When the community give us information on where they are we will execute warrants, carry out stop checks and undertake searches in homes, industrial premises and open land across Merseyside.

“We are determined to disrupt and bring to justice criminals who possess any type of firearm illegally and whose reckless disregard for those around them can bring violence and fear into the heart of our communities.”