Boy, 14, caught with replica assault rifle in public near Dee Why Children's Centre

Northern beaches police have caught a 14-year-old boy carrying a replica gun — which closely resembles an AR-15 assault rifle (pictured) — near a children’s centre.

An example of a real AR-15 rifle, which looks similar to the replica being carried by the boy. Picture: Stock.

Northern beaches police have caught a 14-year-old boy carrying a ‘gel gun’ — which closely resembles an AR-15 assault rifle — near a children’s centre.

On Friday evening patrolling police noticed the boy, who was opposite the Dee Why Children’s Centre on Fisher Rd, had something hidden under his shirt.

As police approached, the teenager pulled out what police said appeared to be an AR-15 military assault rifle.

The boy was found in possession of the replica gun opposite Dee Why Children's Centre. Picture: Google Maps.

But it turned out the weapon was actually a ‘gel gun’ — which fires gel pellets.

“While they might be toys, their makers have a done a good job making these things look very real,” Northern Beaches Police Area Command posted on its Facebook page.

“That’s why, in the current climate, they’re banned in NSW.”

Northern Beaches Police crime manager Mick Boutouridis confirmed to the Manly Daily that being in possession of the replica gun was illegal in NSW.

People in possession of these replica guns are urged to hand them into the police station.

Chief Inspector Boutouridis said the weapon, which is primarily made of plastic and fired pellets, it still classified as a firearm.

“These replicas bear a striking resemblance to a real gun and are liable to be mistaken for a real one by law enforcement officers,” he said,

“I urge anyone in possession of these replicas to either destroy them, or hand them in to police.”

Police seized the weapon, which police suspect was bought online from overseas.

Insp Boutouridis said officers are seeking advice from the police NSW Firearms Registry about whether charges could be laid against the teenager.