A West End park was this afternoon flooded with armed police after a weapon was discovered by a member of the public.

The unsuspecting local found what they thought to be a firearm at the Botanic Gardens shortly after 1.30pm. 

Armed officers raced to the scene at Hillhead to carry out inquiries.

But it later emerged the weapon was just a BB gun.

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It has since been taken away by officers and will be destroyed.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "At around 1.35 pm this afternoon, police were called to the Botanic Gardens, Hillhead, Glasgow, after a member of the public found what is thought to be a firearm.

“Specialist officers attended (armed officers) and the item was found to be a BB gun which has been seized and will be destroyed as per protocol.

“The item wasn't brandished at anyone nor was anyone threatened and there was no danger to the public.”