Police fear over stolen pistols

Police displayed examples of the stolen weapons

Police have issued an urgent appeal for help tracing thieves who stole four replica guns and an air rifle.

The hand guns, which fire ball bearings, were stolen from a shop in Leicester on Thursday night.

Officers said the weapons could result in an armed response from police and have urged anyone who knows their whereabouts to contact them immediately.

The guns are replicas of a Walther C99, a Sig Sauer P228 and a model 911 believed to be a Colt replica.

The thieves need to be aware that they may find themselves the subject of an armed response

Constable Martin Tangen

A plastic model of a nine-millimetre pistol and a Crossman Ratcatcher air rifle were also stolen.

Constable Martin Tangen, of Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "The thieves need to be aware that they may find themselves the subject of an armed response from police officers.

"These replica guns look very realistic and the force cannot afford to risk public safety.

"Ideally we would like to see the replica weapons returned.

"If anyone has any information about the theft, those responsible or the current whereabouts of the ball bearing guns, they should contact us immediately."