A 12-year-old Arrested on Suspicion of Possessing an Imitation Firearm

On Thursday, April 10, a tram stop in Wythenshawe was overwhelmed by police as reports surfaced of youths 'waving around' what appeared to be a BB gun in front of mothers with prams.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm; he has since been released on bail.

The incident occurred at Wythenshawe Park, just one stop away from where the arrest was made at Northern Moor tram stop on Thursday afternoon.

Local resident Ian David, 61, witnessed the event while waiting for a tram to Chorlton. He recounted, "I noticed these lads come on to the platform. They weren't even teenagers - about twelve or thirteen - but I got the sense that there might be trouble."

Ian observed one youth with what seemed to be a BB gun, stating, "They were waving it around at the other side of the platform - where there was a couple of women with prams and babies in."

When one woman began to shout at the boys, they reportedly laughed and continued their behavior.

Ian boarded the tram that arrived, alongside the youths; however, it stopped again at the next station, Northern Moor, due to what appeared to be a technical fault with the doors, requiring all passengers to disembark.

He noted, "Two more trams came by but they didn’t stop there. I think the police must have told them not to stop because there was an offensive weapon that could pose a danger to the public."

According to Ian, police arrived shortly after, pursuing the boys along the platform, shouting, "GET ON THE FLOOR," before taking them into custody.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the weapon was not discharged, but the youths allegedly 'waved it at the driver'.