Armed police tackled a teenage boy who was reported to have been carrying a firearm in Portslade this afternoon (Wednesday 26 April).
They confiscated two airsoft weapons – similar to paintball guns – from the youngster although Sussex Police said that he was not arrested.
One witness said that the boy looked as though he was carrying air rifles.
A police helicopter was spotted circling around the Mile Oak area and social media was teeming with questions about police cars in Valley Road and Fox Way.
The force said: “We responded swiftly to reports of a man carrying a firearm in Downsview Road, Portslade, today at 4.30pm.
“Firearms officers were sent to the scene as our priority is always public safety and inquiries established the suspect was a 15-year-old boy who was carrying two airsoft weapons.
“No one was harmed. The boy was not arrested but was given words of advice by officers regarding his actions and the weapons were seized.”
Independent councillor Peter Atkinson, who represents North Portslade, contacted Sussex Police and shared details on Facebook to calm fears.
He said “This was a really terrifying experience for many residents who had no idea that these two young men were just carrying airsoft guns. They looked real and people were shocked and distressed.
“This was a reckless and thoughtless act and has wasted thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money and police time.
“The only positive was that it showed how quickly the police can react when there appears to be a real threat to life.”
