Armed police were scrambled to a park this afternoon over fears a man had a gun.
Officers rushed to South Park in Bootle after receiving reports one of a group of men was wielding a firearm.
The operation concluded with the seizure of a BB gun.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and possession of controlled drugs.
They have been taken to a police station and will now be questioned over the incident.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that three men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm after an incident in Bootle this afternoon.
"At around 2.15pm, armed police were called to South Park to a report of a group of males, one of whom was reportedly in possession of a firearm. A group were detained and a suspected BB gun was seized.
"Nobody was injured.
"Three men have been taken to a police station for questioning, on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm, and possession of controlled drugs. The scene has now been stood down."
The force said it wished to thank the public for their patience during the incident.
*Anyone with information about the possession, use or storage of weapons is asked to call 999 if an incident is ongoing, or pass information to Merseyside Police via Twitter (@MerPolCC) or by calling 101.
They can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
