Hanley firearms arrest teens had BB gun, police say Published duration 6 August 2015

image copyright Staffordshire Police image caption Police had reports that three young men were behaving suspiciously on Stafford Street

Three teenagers who were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences in a city centre were found to be carrying a BB gun, police have said.

Armed officers were called to Hanley, in Stoke-on-Trent, on Tuesday, following reports from the CCTV team that three men were behaving suspiciously on Stafford Street.

Three youths, one aged 16 and two aged 17, were arrested.

Police said they had been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

"The decision to deploy firearms officers is never taken lightly," the force said.

"Anyone who chooses to carry BB guns, or imitation firearms, needs to understand they could be challenged by firearms officers at any time."