Cleveland Police is facing backlash after “words of advice” were given to a group that were spotted on Roseberry Topping armed with an “imitation” machine gun.

Walkers were left stunned on Sunday after stumbling upon the group at the top of the beauty spot, where one of them appeared to be holding an AK-47.

The group - which were also seen waving flags that appeared to be from Eritrea, in Africa - prompted calls from distressed walkers to Cleveland Police over the suspected weapon. 

The force later confirmed that the 'gun' was in face a imitation firearm and was confiscated, with “words of advice” being given to the gang.

However, this decision has since sparked outrage online, which was branded as “crazy.”

Man carrying imitation weapon was 'very apologetic'

The force’s Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker has since issued a statement saying it was quickly established that the man holding the imitation firearm was part of a community gathering for an Eritrean holiday called Martyrs’ Day. 

He said the man was spoken to by officers - and that he was “very apologetic and hadn’t realised the alarm and distress this would cause.” 

Roseberry ToppingRoseberry Topping

Mr Baker added that, if anyone had been having in a threatening or intimidating manner, officers “would have considered a different course of action.” 

Many people took to Facebook to raise concerns over the video, with one person arguing: “Should have made an example of the offender(s). Not an acceptable deterrent for future instances if they just get their toys taken off them.” 

Another said: “That must have looked very intimidating to residents and will have spoiled what should have been an enjoyable walk.”

Parliamentary candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Simon Clarke penned a letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey on Monday, noting his “deep concern” over the initial statement issued by the force. 

He said: “This response in no way corresponds to the seriousness of what had taken place. The Teesside public feel the same.”

He said many people had contacted him saying they were “unnerved” by the incident, with one person arguing it was a “sorry state of affairs if we can't even go for a nice walk in the English countryside anymore."

Mr Clarke argued that a “mere warning simply does not cut it”.

In response, Mr Storey said: “I understand and share the concerns of the public about the incident at Roseberry Topping over the weekend.

“I have my own questions about the incident, which I will be raising with senior leaders from Cleveland Police tomorrow.”

Full statement from Cleveland Police

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker said: “Yesterday (Sunday 23rd June) Cleveland Police officers attended Roseberry Topping, following reports of a man carrying a firearm. 

“All reports of firearms are taken extremely seriously by Cleveland Police, and armed officers were deployed to the area immediately. When the firearms officers arrived, they confronted the man carrying the firearm.  

“However, it was quickly established that he was part of a community gathering - including families, women and children - who were celebrating an Eritrean holiday called Martyrs’ Day and the families were carrying both Eritrean and Union Jack flags.

“The man carrying the imitation firearm was spoken to, and the gun was examined by officers who confirmed that it was in fact a replica toy firearm.  

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“He was very apologetic and hadn’t realised the alarm and distress this would cause to other members of the public in that area.

“Following careful consideration of the circumstances presented to them, with families and small children attending an event of celebration, officers explained to the man that he could have been arrested under section 19 of the Firearms Act and provided appropriate words of advice, before the man willingly handed over the gun to police.

“None of the reports received in connection with the incident suggested that the man or anyone else in the party had behaved in a threatening or intimidating manner. Should this have been the case, officers would have considered a different course of action.”