ARMED police swarmed a residential street after reports of a man wearing combat gear and balaclava while carrying a gun.

However, the firearms officers discovered it was in fact a youngster dressed up and playing with a toy gun.

Armed officers were called to the Primsland Way and Addyes Way area of Droitwich 

Worried residents called West Merica Police claiming a man dressed in combat gear, wearing a balaclava and carrying gun roaming the streets at just before 6pm.

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Armed police swarmed the area and apprehended the person who, it turned out, was a youngster dressed up and carrying a toy rifle.

Officers returned the child home and spoke to the youngster's parents.

West Mercia Police moved to reassure people living in the area not to be concerned about the presence of the firearms officers.

A spokesperson said: "NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN - We want to reassure all residents living in the Primsland Way and Addyes Way area of Droitwich who may have seen armed police in the area that there is nothing to worry about.

"Just before 6pm police were called following sightings of a man dressed in combat gear, wearing a balaclava and carrying gun in the the above roads.

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"Armed police attended and apprehended the person who, it turned out, was a youngster dressed up and carrying a toy gun.

"Police returned the youngster home where appropriate advice was given."