FOUR men have been arrested for carrying imitation weapons.

The men aged 19, 20, 21 and 21 from the Shefford and Langford area were arrested after armed police were called to Sainsbury’s in Biggleswade just before 1am this morning (Thursday).

Officers were called after a passing lorry driver saw what he described as a group of men in the car park, one of who was holding a machine gun.

On arrival armed officers found the men in possession of a small amount of Cannabis and imitation BB gun and two BB pistols. Their two vehicles were also secured and searched.

The store was closed to the public at the time.

The men were arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Detective Superintendent Paul Coombes from Bedfordshire Police said: “The public are increasingly aware of the potential for firearms in our midst and quite rightly call the police whenever they see something resembling a gun.

“Whether this gun is an air weapon, or a BB gun, or a genuine firearm, our response is the same as officers will not know whether it is a real or imitation firearm until they seize it.

“And while they are highly trained, the potential for an imitation firearm to be mistaken for a real firearm is a real possibility.”

He added: “BB guns are made to be identical to real guns in colour, size and detailed appearance. While they are capable of firing only small plastic ball bearings, their resemblance to a real firearm has prompted many calls to the police from people who believe they have seen someone carrying a real gun in a public place. Our advice is always, keep BB guns at home.”

The men are currently being held at Greyfriars Police Station in Bedford and will be interviewed by officers later today.