Further to our report earlier in the week, this update through from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Police can confirm a 66-year-old man from Ryde, Isle of Wight received a caution for possessing a loaded air weapon in a public place.
He was arrested in Avenue Road, Sandown, Isle of Wight at 10.30am on Sunday, August 14, 2011 after firearms officers responded to information from a member of the public about a motorist carrying a handgun near Brading Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Found to be carrying airsoft weapon
Officers stopped the car he was driving in Sandown, searched the man and found he was carrying a number of ‘Airsoft’ sport replica weapons. These weapons included a handgun, an assault rifle and three grenades, all in a condition ready to be fired. These weapons cannot be differentiated from real weapons until handled by experienced weapons experts.
He was taken to Newport Police Station and interviewed on suspicion of having a loaded air weapon in a public place.
The Airsoft weapons were seized but have now been returned to the man.
Firearms officers also visited a meeting of Airsoft enthusiasts to give advice about transporting replica weapons without causing fear or concern to the public. The guidelines given by the enthusiasts are extremely professional, however, on this occasion the man decided to ignore them.
Warning of risks
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind people about the risks of carrying imitation firearms in public. It’s difficult, even for firearms experts, to distinguish between a fake gun and a real weapon from a distance.
“Each call to police reporting a firearm being seen prompts the same response involving armed officers. Often, it’s only once the gun is retrieved that officers are able to confirm it is an imitation gun.
“We are fortunate not to have a serious problem with gun crime on the Isle of Wight, but we are never complacent in wanting to educate the public so a potential tragedy can be prevented thanks to better awareness of the risks.”
For more information about Hampshire Constabulary’s Firearms And Knife Education (FAKE) campaign, please go to our website.
