Two teenage boys charged after allegedly pointing imitation firearms at shoppers

A young mother has described the harrowing moment her 18-month-old was allegedly threatened by three teenagers with a fake gun at a shopping centre.

A woman who saw her 18-month-old allegedly threatened with a fake gun has spoken about the fear she experienced at her local shopping centre in Somerville, Victoria.

Rachel (not her real name), spoke with 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate on Friday afternoon to retell the uncomfortable run-in.

“My daughter, my mum and I went into Target and came out to order a coffee. Three young boys walked in. My daughter was playing in the playground. They walked over to her and pointed the gun directly in her face,” she said.

“My daughter was looking straight at him.

“I have no idea about guns, I didn’t know if it was real or fake.

A young mother has described the harrowing moment her 18-month-old was allegedly threatened by three teenagers with a fake gun at a shopping centre. Picture: 3AW

“My initial reaction was to pick her up and move her away.

“Luckily the boys turned around and walked away. We were very shocked and scared. There were a lot of witnesses who were scared as well, which is understandable.”

Police have now charged two teenagers for allegedly pointing imitation firearms at shoppers.

Rachel said the incident left her shaken, with her mind immediately thinking of last year’s Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing in Sydney.

She thanked the police, who she said were “fantastic and really supportive”, but admitted the situation would take some time to get over.

“I just keep picturing a gun in my daughter’s face, which isn’t very nice. It will take a little bit of time, but we’ll try and move on.

“My family and partner are disappointed and upset as well.”

Originally published as Two teenage boys charged after allegedly pointing imitation firearms at shoppers