Police are disappointed in a group's actions after toy guns were brandished at members of the public at a night market last night.
At around 10.40pm, Police received a report of youths pointing a firearm at a bus driver at Botany Town Centre.
With the group believed to be in possession of a firearm, Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rod Honan, says an armed response was initiated.
"Given the information, our staff were armed, and on arrival officers swiftly located a group of five youths who were taken into custody," Inspector Honan says.
The group had discarded the firearm prior to Police arrival, and a search of the area located the gun, which was confirmed to be a plastic imitation gel blaster.
A second imitation gel blaster was found in a backpack belonging to one of the young people, along with a small quantity of cannabis. These items have been seized.
"As officers pieced together the events of the evening, it was revealed the group had pointed the imitation firearms at two other members of the public."
The victim also revealed that when the group discarded the gun, another member of the public picked it up and pointed it at them.
This person, a 38-year-old man, was located and taken into custody.
Inspector Honan says this is a timely reminder that presenting a firearm will initiate a strong response from Police and can result in charges, even if it's a replica.
"Police take any report of the presence of firearms in the community very seriously.
"The group's actions last night showed a complete lack of common sense.
"Police would like to remind the public that it is an offence under the Arms Act to possess or use an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose."
Five youths were taken to Ormiston Police Station where they were spoken to before being released.
A 38-year-old man was arrested for breaching his release conditions.
