Youths point plastic firearm at East Auckland night market shoppers, bus driver

A group of youths pointing toy firearms at public sparked an armed police callout.

A group of youths that brandished toy guns towards people at a night market and a bus driver have sparked an armed response from police.

Police received reports of youths pointing a firearm at a bus driver at Botany Town Centre in East Auckland at 10.40pm.

Counties Manukau East Area Commander Inspector Rod Honan said an armed response was initiated.

“Given the information, our staff were armed, and on arrival officers swiftly located a group of five youths who were taken into custody.”

Police later located the gun, confirmed to be a plastic imitation gel blaster. A second blaster was found in a backpack belonging to one of the youths, along with a small amount of cannabis.

It was revealed the group had pointed the imitation firearms at two other members of the public, as well as the bus driver.

The incident happened during night markets at Botany Town Centre. Photo / Google Maps

Honan said it was a timely reminder that presentation of a firearm would initiate a strong response from police and could result in charges, even if it was just a replica.

“The group’s actions last night showed a complete lack of common sense.

“Police would like to remind the public that it is an offence under the Arms Act to possess or use an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.”

A victim also said that when the youth group discarded the gun, another member of the public picked it up and pointed it at them.

A 38-year-old man responsible was located and taken into custody, later arrested for breaching his release conditions.

The group was taken to Ormiston Police Station where they were spoken to before being released.