Police have warned of the dangers of carrying an imitation gun after a 12-year-old boy was threatened and robbed of £10.

It happened in Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, at 10pm on Saturday. The boy was shaken but unhurt.

Ch Supt John Molloy, area commander for east Kent, said: “It is very irresponsible to carry an imitation firearm.

“We treat each as real until we know otherwise. What may seem a prank could have very serious consequences.”

The boy was walking in Canterbury Road close to the Kings Road and Mickleburgh Hill roundabout when he says three people approached him.

The victim told police they threatened him with the fake gun before robbing him of £10 and running off.

A 16-year-old from Canterbury and a 17-year-old from Margate were arrested in East Street, Herne Bay, at 11pm on Saturday on suspicion of robbery.

An 18-year-old Herne Bay man was arrested 40 minutes later in William Street, again on suspicion of robbery. Police say they have recovered an imitation hand gun.

The three are due to return to Canterbury Police on Sunday pending a decision to prosecute.