Police shared an image of a terrifying gun they seized from a van driver - although no criminal offence was committed.
The unusual incident happened in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, earlier today.
Inspector Lee Derbyshire, from Greater Manchester Police, said two of his officers, PCs Henshaw and Terry, had stopped a van in the town and made an 'interesting' find.
He tweeted an image of a weapon they found in the vehicle that resembles a sub-machine gun.
In fact, it is an air-gun and therefore is not a firearm.
Air guns usually fire pellets or shots called BBs.
Inspector Derbyshire said the weapon was still illegal to possess in public without 'lawful authority or reasonable excuse'.
However, 'after making appropriate enquiries' the officers were 'satisfied that no offence had been committed'.
The owner decided to surrender the item anyway and the van was seized for not having insurance.
The driver is facing multiple vehicle and insurance offences, Insp Derbyshire added.
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