A pensioner told today how he was arrested by armed police after he brandished a gun at children who went to get a ball from his backyard.

An armed response unit was called out after reports John Williamson had lost patience with teenagers and threatened them with a BB gun.

But the 69-year-old retired builder, who is recovering from a stroke, insisted he had not threatened the children after they kicked a football into his backyard.

Gun club member Mr Williamson said he had been trying to open the gun when the children knocked on the door and says it was coincidence that he was holding it when he answered the door.

Mr Williamson, of South Shields, South Tyneside, said: "When I went to the door it was in my hand but down by my leg. The kids ran away but there was no threat at all.

"They had been playing in the back lane, kicking the ball against the wall and wheelie bin. It was the third time in half an hour they had come round and it is annoying but there's no connection between that and the gun, it's just coincidence."

An armed response unit was called to Rosa Street at about 6pm last night. Police today confirmed that a man had been arrested and cautioned for causing fear with a firearm.

Mr Williamson, who is a member of a gun club, said: "If I was going to do anything I've got a shotgun upstairs."

Sgt Gary Neill said: "The man was arrested, but released after receiving a caution for causing fear with a firearm. We can confirm the man does hold firearms legally, but they have been seized pending an investigation by our firearms licensing department."