A 16-YEAR-OLD boy with an imitation gun was arrested in Harnham in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police officers were called to reports of an assault on a 43-year-old local man in Netherhampton Road, and were made aware of a connected incident shortly afterwards involving a young man with an air rifle.

The 16-year-old local boy was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence or assault. He will appear at Salisbury youth court at a later date.

David McMullin, Salisbury sector commander for Wiltshire Police, said: “Fortunately no one was harmed during the incident and it is important to reassure the public that this matter was resolved swiftly and appropriately.

“I would add that this highlights the potential danger of the irresponsible use of firearms, and certainly in the case of juveniles we would urge parents or guardians to consider the suitability of the possession of any form of firearm, in order to prevent a tragic incident from occurring.”