POLICE are warning the public of the dangers of carrying imitation firearms around in Derry.
If follows an incident last night when a youth in a car, accompanied by his father, pointed a handgun at people.
They were unaware that the firearm was in fact an imitation gun.
Police say that in the dark the weapon is very similar to the Glock pistol issued to serving PSNI officers.
PSNI Foyle say on its Facebook page: “Police in Derry recieved a report this evening in relation to a youth pointing a handgun at people in the Steelstown area.
“Police on patrol were immediately dispatched to protect the community.
“Further information led Police to intercept a car on Strand Road.
“The item pictured above was recovered.
“Stern words of warning and advice were imparted to a Father and son in the car.
“The gun had been in possession of the youth and the error of his ways was starkly explained.
“The gun is the same size and design as Police issue sidearms.
“While the top of it is blue, in the dark, the blue would not be apparent and a person may believe a real handgun is being pointed at them, with potentially dire consequences.
“Please think carefully about similar actions as there are enough broken lives in this city caused by illegal firearms.”
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