A SHOCKED resident uncovered a “gun” after she accidentally kicked a discarded bag on Canvey.

Police rushed to the island on Monday evening after reports the weapon had been discovered in North Avenue at about 6.10pm.

The pistol, which looks very similar to a gun, was later found to be an airgun.

It has been seized and police enquiries are underway, although the owner has not been found and no arrests have been made.

One resident, who called the Echo after spotting the picture of the gun on Facebook, said: “It would be really worrying.

“I saw the picture on Facebook and I would never have known that was not a real gun.

“Even seeing it lying on the street I would think it was real, no doubt.

“Let alone if someone waved it in your face while you were in the street or if you were working in a shop.

“I did not think you could buy air pistols that looked like that in the UK anymore.

“We have had a number of incidents on the island where guns have been spotted recently, you never know if this links to any of them or if it has been used in a crime.”

A spokesman for the Castle Point and Rochford community policing time added: “We would like to thank the eagle eyed members of the public whom had reported seeing this imitation firearm on Canvey.

“We are very pleased to have this item off of the streets.”

Essex Police confirmed the weapon had been seized and praised the resident for informing police and staying at the scene until they arrived.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at around 6.10pm on Monday after a worried woman reported finding what she believed to be a firearm in North Avenue on Canvey.

“The woman reported that the firearm, which was later found to be an air pistol, came out of a bag after she accidentally kicked it.

“The caller did exactly the right thing by reporting it to us and leaving it at the scene until we arrived.

“The air pistol has been seized and our enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Canvey police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Alternatively, to report infromation online to dedicated crimefighting charity, Crimestoppers, visit crimestoppers-uk.org/report-information-online.