A teenage girl was reportedly found with a fake gun in one Merseyside town.
Police said following reports a teenage girl, 17, was seen carrying a firearm in Lagrange Arcade car park in St Helens on Thursday she was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of breach of court bail and assaulting an emergency worker.
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At the time of the statement, which was posted at 9.15pm on Thursday by a spokesperson for St Helens Police, the teenager was in custody and awaiting an interview.
The full statement from St Helens Police said: "Officers from Local Policing Team 3, with assistance from response and targeted officers, tonight arrested a 17-year-old female on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, breach of court bail and assaulting an emergency worker.
"The arrest was made after an incident occurred in St Helens town centre.
"The female is currently in custody and awaiting interview."
In an update today, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said the teenager from Up Holland, West Lancashire, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with being in possession of an imitation firearm in a public place with intent to cause fear of violence, and assault on an emergency worker.
She was also found to have breached the terms of bail for a previous matter.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "A 17-year-old girl has been charged with being in possession of an imitation handgun in St Helens town centre yesterday evening (Thursday, February 3).
"Officers arrested the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, following a report that she was seen carrying a firearm in Lagrange Arcade car park.
"The 17-year-old from Up Holland, West Lancashire has been charged with being in possession of an imitation firearm in a public place with intent to cause fear of violence, and assault on an emergency worker.
"She was also found to have breached the terms of bail for a previous matter.
"The offender appeared at Merseyside Youth Remand Court this morning (Friday, February 4) and has been remanded in custody. A further court date has yet to be set."
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