ARMED police rushed to a railway station because of reports someone was carrying a handgun - but it turned out to be a toy.

Two officers with guns ran onto platform one at Worcester Foregate Street before boarding a train on Sunday afternoon after reports of a firearm.

The man with the 'gun' was said to have been 'unaware' of the concern he had caused in the community after West Mercia Police was alerted by the public.

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A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Around 4.40pm on Sunday (11 September) officers attended Foregate Street, Worcester, after a report that someone was carrying a handgun.  

"The individual was tracked down and found to be carrying a toy handgun.

"They were unaware of the concern they had caused in the community.

"The report was made in good faith and, as the public would expect, all reports received relating to firearms are carefully assessed and given a proportionate policing response."