Police seized a number of imitation guns in a raid on a home in Yate.

Officers descended on the house in Westerleigh Road, Yate on Saturday July 11 after a post on social media suggested people there had firearms.

A man in his 20s was seen in a video posted on Snapchat posing with a number of different guns. Police visited the man at his work and escorted him to his property where all five imitation guns were given over to officers.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told the Gazette:

“Two riot vans, two patrol cars and an unmarked BMW arrived in the road, they obviously went in and came out with the guns, even though they were toy guns.

“It seems a bit over the top to have had all of the resources come that did, but then on the other hand, it’s great to know the police are willing to put so much effort in to protect the public.”

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the raid, with a spokesman saying:

“Officers found a number of BB guns, an air weapon and a gas-powered gun. The five weapons were disclaimed by the owner and retained by police.

"Officers gave a man in his 20s words of advice and he faces no further action.”

A relative of the man in his 20s told the Gazette:

“It was an unfortunate prank that went wrong.

"We would like to urge people to think twice before posting images on social media, posing with anything that could be seen as a weapon.

"The police were very understanding that this was a mistake and we co-operated fully with them.”