Owners of “realistic toy guns” are being warned to act responsibly when carrying them in public after two false alarms in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police have issued the warning after an incident in Weston-super-Mare, when two men aged 18 and 23 were spotted carrying a “shotgun” and a “machine gun”.

The two men sparked panic in the town, and armed police officers rushed to the area after shots were heard in a residential area.

It happened in the St George’s area of the seaside resort last weekend. On arrival, officers found the guns to be toys, and gave “strong words of advice” about their behaviour and how they were blatantly displaying them in public.

Chief Inspector John Holt, from the police, urged people to be careful, with a heightened sense of tension due to a recent spate of terror attacks in France, Belgium and Germany.

CI Holt said: “At a time when the whole country of heightened security, people really need to think carefully about their actions and what impact they may have on others, especially when items such as these airsoft weapons are concerned.

“Firearms officers are highly trained individuals, who are experts in their field but also have to make split-second decisions based on what they are faced with.

“These airsoft weapons at first glance look very realistic and during these days of increased tension and security, owners really need to act responsibly and think about the impact they may have on members of the public.”