Armed police were called to reports of two men with a gun in Stockport - and officers found two 16-year-old boys with a water pistol.
Officers were called by several concerned residents in Marple yesterday evening (Thursday).
Locals reported seeing two men in possession of a hand gun.
An armed response unit was sent to the scene and extensive search was carried out, police said.
Officers then found two 16-year-old boys who were in possession of a black water pistol.
The teens were interviewed at Cheadle Heath police station.
They have now been released pending further enquiries.
Police are now appealing for anyone who has any information, particularly anyone with CCTV footage, to get in touch.
In a post on the GMP Marple & Hazel Grove Facebook page, an officer said: "Yesterday evening (Thursday 19th November), police received several reports from Marple residents of two males in possession of a hand gun.
"An extensive area search was conducted, with the support of an Armed Response Unit, and two 16 year old boys were located and found to be in possession of a black handgun water pistol.
"Both were interviewed at Cheadle Heath Police Station, and have been released pending further enquiries."
If you have any information that may assist, particularly CCTV, email Marple@gmp.police.uk or phone 0161 856 9773 quoting incident number 1676 19/11/2020.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
