THE 'youngster' who found himself surrounded by armed officers was a 12-year-old boy.

West Mercia Police received reports of a person wearing a balaclava and holding a gun in a residential area of Droitwich.

But after they swooped on Primsland Way and Addyes Way area of Droitwich they found it was a 'youngster' with a plastic toy rifle.

A spokesperson from West Mercia Police said: "A 12-year-old male was stopped by officers following the concerns raised by members of the public who reported sightings of a man dressed in combat gear, wearing a balaclava and carrying a gun in the Primsland Way and Addyes Way area of Droitwich."

READ MORE: Eyewitness describes moment armed police surround youngster with toy gun

After discovering the 12-year-old male, armed officers discovered that the gun he was holding was in fact, a toy gun that the child was playing with. 

Worried residents called West Merica Police claiming a man dressed in combat gear, wearing a balaclava and carrying gun was roaming the streets at just before 6pm.

Officers returned the child home and spoke to the youngster's parents.

READ MORE: Armed officers find 'balaclava-clad gunman' is youngster with toy rifle

West Mercia Police moved to reassure people living in the area not to be concerned about the presence of the firearms officers.