Armed police swoop on Middlesbrough road as teen's water pistol mistaken for handgun

An image from the scene appears to capture police vehicles responding in Middlesbrough. Credit: Gazette Media Syndication

Armed police swooped on a busy road after reports of a male pointing a handgun at cars - which turned out to be a water pistol.

Cleveland Police attended an incident on Acklam Road, in Middlesbrough, shortly before 4pm on Friday (27 December). It was reported that a male was pointing a handgun at passing vehicles.

When officers arrived, they found what appeared to be a handgun on the ground. But upon closer inspection it was established that it was in fact a replica water pistol.

A spokesperson for the force told the Evening Gazette: "A 14-year-old boy was taken home by officers, who was provided with strong words of advice in front of his parents.

"Cleveland Police takes all reports of firearms extremely seriously and would like to thank the member of the public who contacted us, ensuring that swift action was taken to ensure everyone was safe."

An image from the scene appears to show a fleet of Cleveland Police vehicles stationed on the road, with their blue lights illuminated.

According to witnesses, Acklam Road was closed by police at the junction with Mandale Road but reopened a short time later.

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