A man was reportedly threatened with a gun in Liverpool city centre.
Police were called at around 4.45am on Monday (April 6) after receiving reports of an altercation between two males close to the Clayton Square area.
It was claimed that one man threatened the other with a firearm but there is no suggestion a weapon was used in the incident and no injuries were reported.
A number of streets bordering the city centre area were cordoned off while CCTV and witness enquiries were carried out in the aftermath of the reported incident.
Officers later detained a 37-year-old man in the city centre on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate.
A BB gun was later recovered from an extensive search of the area.
Lewis Phelan, of no fixed abode, has since been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The 37-year-old was remanded to appear at Wirral Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (April 7).
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 26000269605.
You can also report information via their website or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here. In an emergency always call 999.