Proactive police seize "very realistic" guns

Officers from Rotherham Central Neighbourhood Policing Team deployed as part of Operation Alligator on Friday.

Sgt Simon Kirkham reported that they had confiscated one “very realistic imitation firearm, a realistic air pistol revolver, an air rifle with scope and silencer” and nine hunting knives.

He said: “These seizures were not part of any criminal offence but were lawfully disclaimed from the owners to avoid the possibility of being carried on the street, stolen or used illegally and as a pre-emptive crime prevention measure.

“All these items will be destroyed, but it should be appreciated that such crime is comparatively low and we do not wish to cause alarm — just assurance that we deal robustly with such issues.”

He added: “Operation Alligator continues, with further deployments planned in the very near future.”

Officers also dealt with racially-aggravated graffiti after CCTV footage captured an image of the offender, who was detained and interviewed, before being reported on summons.