A SCHOOLBOY threatened a woman with a gun as she walked through a Hampshire alleyway.

The 31-year-old was on the path off Norset Road, Fareham, when the youngster, who was with two pals, held a handgun up to her face at close range.

The terrified victim was left badly shaken.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which happened on Monday afternoon.

They want to talk to a schoolgirl, aged 13 or 14, who was walking in front of the threatened woman and may be able to identify the boy with the gun and his two companions.

The three schoolboys, all aged 13 to 14, walked towards the woman, passing the schoolgirl. When one of the boys was just a metre from the woman, he raised his arm and held a black handgun to her face, threatening to shoot her.

The boys continued along the alleyway, laughing, and crossed Norset Road, where they entered an alleyway which leads to Highlands Road.

The boy with the gun is described as suntanned or of mixed race, 4ft 10in and wearing black school trousers and a dark navy blue jumper which was tied around his waist.

The second boy was taller, white and wore black school trousers, a white long-sleeved shirt and a rucksack over one shoulder.

The third boy was white with dark brown short hair and wore black school trousers and a white shirt.

Detective Inspector Dave Smith said: "This boy probably had a toy or a BB gun, but we don't know. We must repeat our message -Fake gun; Real trouble'. If you can't tell the difference, how can we?

"Certainly, the woman who was threatened was terribly shaken by the incident and now fears walking in that area."

Anyone with information should contact police at Fareham on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.