Armed police converged on a takeaway restaurant this afternoon (Thursday, April 4) after reports of a person with a handgun in his pocket - only to find it was a wooden replica. 

Officers were called to McDonalds in Thrush Road, Redcar, by concerned members of the public, who believed it was a real handgun.

A 15-year-old boy was taken home with 'strong words of advice' after police found it was a wooden replica gun and no threats had been made. 

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Armed response officers were called to McDonalds on Thrush Road in Redcar this afternoon, following several reports that a male inside of the restaurant had a handgun in his pocket.

"While the gun looked real to the customers who contacted police with good intention, following closer inspection by the officers who attended it was established that this was a wooden replica gun and no threats had been made.

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The Northern Echo:

"The 15-year-old boy was taken home by officers and provided with strong words of advice in front of his parents.

"Officers would like to thank the public-spirited customers who contacted us, ensuring that swift action was taken so it could be confirmed that everyone was safe."