A MAN who sparked a huge police operation after he was spotted carrying a loaded airgun in Bournemouth has been told to carry out unpaid work.

As reported, armed police rushed to the Lower Gardens on August 21 after receiving reports of a man with a gun. The NPAS helicopter was also involved.

Searches of the town centre were carried out after police were also called to a stretch of the Wessex Way between Dean Park Road and Madeira Road.

Last week, Constantin Manescu, of Exeter Road in Bournemouth, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court to admit having a loaded PT-85 Blowback in a public place.

The 31-year-old was made the subject of a community order, under which he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. He must also pay an £85 surcharge and £85 costs.

On the day of the incident, a Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.37pm on, Wednesday, August 21, to a report of a man with a gun in the subway near to Dean Park Road in Bournemouth. Officers attended, including firearms officers, and carried out a search of the area.

“A 31-year-old Bournemouth man was detained in the Lower Gardens area of Bournemouth. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.”b

Marked and unmarked police cars were parked in Exeter Road outside the BH2 complex and Moon in the Square pub.