Dorset Police say they have arrested a man in Gillingham after what is reported to have been the attempted robbery of three children with an offensive weapon – possibly an imitation firearm.

A police spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 9.05am today, Tuesday 19 June 2018, to an initial report of an attempted robbery, which is alleged to have occurred sometime between 8am and 8.15am today.

‘It was reported that three children, two aged 10 and one aged 11, were approached by a man as they walked through the cemetery in Gillingham. The man is reported to have pointed a rubber imitation firearm at the children, asked for money but then walked away. Nothing was stolen.’

A 52-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

The spokesperson added: ‘An investigation into the full circumstances is underway to establish exactly what happened. Officers are due to speak to the children involved and their parents later today.’

An imitation firearm has been recovered.