A TEENAGER alarmed pedestrians by firing a ball bearing gun at them on Friday.

The 18-year-old from the Norris Green area was spotted leaning out of a car window and shooting at members of the public in Coastal Drive, New Brighton.

Police officers were called and the teen was arrested, along with the 17-year-old driver of the car.

The youth was issued with a caution after police seized the offending BB-gun.

The driver from Birkenhead was not charged.

Chief Inspector Mark Harrison warned of the dangers of carrying imitation weapons in public. He said: "Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this incredibly irresponsible behaviour.

"Merseyside Police treats the misuse of weapons extremely seriously and I would warn anyone who owns a BB-gun or a similar imitation firearm that, by carrying them in a public place, they are breaking the law and also risk causing people serious harm.

"It is extremely difficult, even for firearms officers, to distinguish between a ball bearing gun and a genuine Section 1 firearm, and public safety is of paramount importance. This incident has once again highlighted the serious issues around young people thinking they are just having a laugh carrying around what can appear to be a machine gun.

"BB-guns can cause serious injury and anyone carrying them in public places could find themselves being arrested and put before the courts.

"This young man was very lucky to only receive a caution - the results could have been very different."

Anyone with concerns about BB-guns can call police on 0151 709 601 0555.

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