Police in Burnham-On-Sea are warning parents not to be tempted to buy imitation weapons for their children this Christmas.
Many outlets are now selling the look-alike firearms which often differ very little from the real deadly weapons.
In Burnham and Highbridge police have been called three incidents in the last four days where imitation firearms have been seen by members of the public, prompting emergency calls.
In man cases police firearms officers are called to deal with the incidents, with those holding the imitation weapons putting themselves in serious danger.
Burnham-based PS Ian Kennett said: “My plea to parents is to be responsible when buying their children Christmas presents this year.”
“I am aware that a number of shops and local market stalls are selling these imitation weapons, but many people do not realise how alarming they can be to other members of the public who then call police to say someone is walking around with a firearm.”
“The safety of the public and police officers is paramount at all times and that means these reports often prompt a response from police firearms officers.”
“As you can see from the picture, a plastic imitation weapon can look almost identical to a real firearm, meaning people could be putting themselves in serious danger of being shot.”
Police are currently speaking to traders about selling the imitation weapons, but are hoping parents will heed the warning themselves.
PS Kennett added: “If a police officer sees someone carrying a firearm in a public place, whether it be imitation or not, they risk arrest and prosecution.”
The picture shows an imitation firearm, with the blue tag, next to a real life firearm from the police armoury.
