Derbyshire police have issued a plea to parents, after armed officers were scrambled when teenagers were spotted carrying what appeared to be gun at a shopping centre.

Just after 5.30pm yesterday (April 7) CCTV operators from the Derbion shopping centre contacted police to report that a young man, dressed all in black and wearing a balaclava, had what they believed to be a small handgun.

Derbyshire police said that as armed officers were dispatched to the scene, the CCTV operator explained how the gun was being passed between two other young men - with the weapon being placed in the waistbands of the young men, clearly visible to the public who also reported it to security.

Just prior to armed officers arriving local, unarmed officers and Derbion security were able to detain the trio of teenage boys and, after it was confirmed that it was an imitation firearm, they were all arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

placeholder image — While a toy, firearms officers described the weapon as a miniature version of the handgun they carry – and could be mistaken for a real weapon.

While a toy, firearms officers described the weapon as a miniature version of the handgun they carry – and could be mistaken for a real weapon.

Superintendent Richard Lambert said: “I would first like to the thank the CCTV operator and security staff from the Derbion centre. They worked quickly to ensure that members of the public were kept safe and ensured officers were able to swiftly arrest these three teenagers.

“While thankfully only a toy – both the security team and members of the public were seriously concerned about the possession of this item and did exactly the right thing in contacting us.

“To any parents or guardians of young people who may consider leaving the house with an item of this kind – please reinforce the danger they are putting themselves in and the serious manner in which we have to take reports such as this.”