Imitation firearms have been seized by officers in Stevenage after pictures of teenagers posing with the weapons were posted on social media.

Police said the youths had been identified and spoken to by officers – with additional searches also carried out. The weapons were seized yesterday.

The imitation firearms are airguns – which fire small, soft pellets, but which look to the untrained eye like real firearms.

Stevenage chief inspector Alicia Shaw said: “I would like to send a clear message to those who engage in this type of behaviour – that it won’t be tolerated in Stevenage.

“Using imitation firearms to intimidate others or commit crime is an offence and you could end up with a criminal record and serving a prison sentence.

“Any report we receive that involve a firearm being seen or used will always be dealt with by means of an armed response. Many imitation firearms look like the real thing and our officers have to respond accordingly.

“Clearly the aim of the photos posted on social media was to instil an element of fear into those viewing the account, and I want those involved to understand that this is very dangerous behaviour.“

Anyone with information about imitiation firearms or other crime should contact police on 101 or herts.police.uk/report. Call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.