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Plastic toy gun sparks police hunt for 'firearm'

Joshua AskewSouth East
Dan Jessup A black gun laid on a brown paper bag. It is being inspected by police. Dan Jessup
A group of boys were give words of advice by officers after what happened, said police

Officers investigating a possible firearm found in some bushes have said it was a plastic toy.

Sussex Police said it received reports of an altercation between a man and a group of teenagers in possession of a gun in The Hydneye, Eastbourne, at around 11:00 BST on Sunday.

It said officers found four boys, aged between 13 and 16, in the area, who were detained and searched.

One of the boys said he had disposed of the firearm in a bush at Sovereign Harbour, the force added.

Dan Jessup A police officer with bright blue plastic gloves on inspects a toy gun. Dan Jessup
Police said they had cordoned off the area

Police said they cordoned off and searched the area to ensure the safety of the community.

They recovered the gun and confirmed it was a plastic toy.

The boys were given words of advice and released, officers added.

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