CCTV operators at Derbion contacted police
Sophie Fagone Buscimese Trainee Reporter
07:38, 08 Apr 2026Updated 07:39, 08 Apr 2026
The incident happened at Derbion shopping centre.(Image: Derby Telegraph/Simon Deacon)
Three teenagers have been arrested in a Derby shopping centre after it was reported that a group had an imitation firearm.
Just after 5.30pm on Tuesday, April 7, CCTV operators at Derbion shopping centre contacted police to report a sighting of a young man, dressed in black and wearing a balaclava, carrying what they believed to be a small handgun.
The CCTV operator explained that the gun was being passed between the suspect and other young men, who took turns placing the weapon in their waistbands, making it clearly visible to the public, who also reported it to security.
Armed officers were sent to the scene, and shortly before their arrival, unarmed officers and Derbion security detained the teenage boys.
The weapon was found to be an imitation firearm and not real, and three people were arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.
Despite it being a toy, the weapon was described by firearms officers as a miniature version of the handgun they carry, easily mistaken for a real weapon.
Superintendent Richard Lambert said: “I would first like to thank the CCTV operator and security staff from the Derbion centre.
“They worked quickly to ensure that members of the public were kept safe and ensured officers were able to swiftly arrest these three teenagers.
“While thankfully only a toy – both the security team and members of the public were seriously concerned about the possession of this item and did exactly the right thing in contacting us.”