IT looks like a real, lethal weapon. But this sub-machine gun is a replica which fires ball bearings.

Incredibly there is no specific law against buying, possessing or carrying this gun.

Police can only act if the firearm is used to shoot at someone or if a person is seen with it in a public place.

The gun was among a frightening haul of weapons seized by officers from two men wearing camouflage clothing in Hampshire woodland.

The pair were arrested under the Firearms Act 1968 and questioned for several hours by detectives before being released with a caution after agreeing to hand over their stash of weapons which included a replica Russian Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, smoke grenades and flares.

As reported by the Daily Echo, officers raced to the scene after a worried member of the public spotted the duo entering the woods adjoining Telegraph Hill with one of the weapons.

They located and arrested a 32-year-old from Horton Heath and a 24-year-old from Weston, Southampton.

A police spokesman said the men had voluntarily "disclaimed ownership" and handed over their stash of rifles and pistols, which were replicas known as BB guns.

The arsenal included a replica Russian Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, two carbines, a sub-machine gun, and four pistols, as well as smoke grenades, flares and magazines.

Despite being plastic replicas which fire pellets, police said that the weapons could look "very real".

Maureen Amos, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Victim Support, said: "To a victim it matters little whether it is a replica or a real gun. It is the fear that is produced when someone is threatened."

There is no specific law against buying, possessing or carrying a BB gun, but police say if such a gun is used to fire at and hit someone, there could be a prosecution for assault.

They also say that, if anyone is seen carrying a BB gun in a public place, they could be liable to prosecution under firearms laws for carrying a replica firearm.

The two men were arrested and cautioned for an offence contrary to the Firearms Act of 1968 of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

The offence carries a penalty of up to six months' imprisonment and/or a fine and leads to anyone convicted having a criminal record.

Hedge End-based Insp Paul Newstead commented: "Anyone who carries any weapon in a public place should be aware of the untold alarm and distress it can cause to other members of the public. We strongly advise people not to do this as they face the risk of being arrested, prosecuted and having their weapons confiscated."