Teens make ISIS claims

Police arrested three youths today after they waved fake guns around town and claimed to be from ISIS

Three Hastings teenagers waved fake guns around town while claiming to be from ISIS.

The three 16-year-olds are now facing firearms charges.

The alarm was first raised at about 1.30pm today in Napier when members of the public were alerted by the group of young men with the phoney firearms and shouting that they were from ISIS, police say.

The group then made their way to Hastings where they again attracted attention from the public.

Police caught up with them at a Hastings house and when confronted, one of the boys threatened a police officer.

They were arrested and are facing charges of presenting a firearm and unlawfully carrying a firearm.

The teenagers had bought the fake guns from a $2 shop in Napier.

"It is not illegal to sell imitation firearms," Communications Manager Eastern District Police Kris McGehan said.

Police say the charges are a warning to anyone thinking of performing a similar stunt.

"Police will respond to any reports of firearms - whether they are real or imitation - and appropriate action will be taken," Ms McGehan said.