Armed police swooped in Hayes after people thought they saw a man with a hand gun on Saturday night (March 28).
They were called to Kingshill Avenue at 9.50pm after members of the public reported seeing a man waving a gun.
But, by the time officers arrived at the scene, the suspect had dropped his weapon and left.
Upon inspection it was revealed the gun was in fact a cheap imitation or toy gun.
The incident happened near Hayes Rugby Club.