Armed police swooped in on a group of youths wielding a "crossbow" - only to discover it was a toy.

The teenagers were spotted with the "weapon" in Dalkeith, Midlothian, on Monday afternoon.

Officers eventually tracked the group down in Bonnyrigg and concluded it was a false alarm.

Inspector Helen Miller said: "Officers were called around 3.35pm on Monday, April 15, to reports of a group of teenagers with a crossbow in the Dalkeith area.

"Given the nature of the weapon described, armed officers attended the call and managed to locate the group in the Bonnyrigg area.

"Thankfully the weapon was a toy, and no further action was required.

"The call received from the member of the public was of genuine concern and as such, we have to provide a robust response to ensure the safety of the public is never compromised."