A child as young as seven was one of four preteens detained by armed police after they allegedly stopped traffic with a fake gun.

Scared drivers alerted police after the children reportedly waved the toy firearm while shouting things like ‘Stop, give me your van!’

The gun was reportedly painted black so that it looked more realistic.

Some motorists also said their vehicles had been pelted with stones, while staff at the shopping centre where it happened claimed they had been threatened by the boys.

Officers responded to Reedswood Retail Park in Walsall, West Midlands, just after 10am yesterday.

They recovered a toy gun, as well as a kitchen knife found in a rucksack being carried by one of the children.

Two boys aged 11 and 12 were arrested for possession of an imitation gun and the other for possessing a knife.

Our armed police attended as motorists feared the gun was genuine.

The boys are also understood to have gone into a shop and threatened staff.

Please speak to your children about the dangers of carrying weapons. Our #LifeOrKnife site can help 🔽https://t.co/8YqtMe4Qgc

A 12-year-old boy and another boy aged seven were escorted home by officers who informed their parents.

Sergeant Ben Dolan, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘This is really concerning given the ages of the children involved.

‘The imitation firearm seized has been painted black to give it a more authentic appearance.

‘Several drivers believed it was a real threat and that’s why we sent armed police to the scene.

‘These children may have thought it was some kind of game or fun to be pointing a fake gun at people but this caused great concern.

‘And it’s ended with four boys being stopped by armed police which must have been pretty scary for them.

‘It’s really important parents speak to their children about the dangers of carrying imitation guns and knives.

‘They can get themselves in very serious trouble.’

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