Police seize a £34 'realistic' replica assault rifle which was bought for a seven-year-old

The £34 replica AR15 rifle was sent from Hong Kong and labelled as a “plastic puzzle” when it was seized as part of the operation.

As well as the seizure, the man who ordered the item for his seven-year-old grandson received a written warning for the importation offence and has been provided with specialist advice.

It follows a series of warnings to online shoppers over the risks of buying knives, imitation firearms and other items – which could see them prosecuted under the Offensive Weapons Act.

Detective Constable Colin Davidson, from Northumbria Police’s Firearms Intelligence Group said there are few circumstances in which realistic imitation firearms can be legally imported but could easily cause distress in the wrong hands.

Mr Davidson said: “We are starting to see more realistic imitation firearms being imported – and just like their name suggests, these weapons are such good replicas they are practically indistinguishable from the real thing.

“People who order these often complain to us when they’re seized – but if someone was to walk into a bank with one, or pull one out in a large crowd, they would cause fear and distress and no one would be able to tell the difference.

“As part of our ongoing work, UK Border Force will continue to seize weapons being brought in from overseas.

"Our role is to then visit the buyer and talk to them about what they have ordered and why, and then take subsequent action against those knowingly ordering illegal, prohibited items.”

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