Police investigating an incident in Bournemouth involving a possible firearm believe the weapon was a BB gun or something similar.
A police cordon was erected, and an extensive search carried out, after reports of an altercation involving two men in St Swithun’s Road, near the junction with Frances Road, at around midday yesterday.
One of the men was believed to have a possible firearm but officers say there is no evidence to suggest a viable firearm was involved.
Officers have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Bournemouth on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an imitation firearm in a public place and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and there were no reports of any injuries.
Detective Superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “We are aware of the public’s understandable concern around this incident and discussion of it online.
“We want to reassure our residents that we are confident no viable firearm was involved.
“Officers will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols of the area and can be approached with any questions or concerns.
“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience while our officers and staff worked at pace to establish if there was a wider risk to the public.”