Armed police swooped on a gaming fan as he walked through Birmingham Airport with a fake rifle.

The gamer, who was in fancy dress, was surrounded by five officers with firearms as he headed to the giant 'Insomnia60' festival at the nearby NEC this morning. 

He was said to have been wearing black and carrying a rifle-style gun, complete with a telescopic sight, ammunition magazine-type holders and a helmet.

Onlookers said that the gamer appeared to be ‘scared to death’ after being pulled over by the officers. Kyle Evans, a gaming journalist, said:

“Well done to the cops for getting on it, they did a good job. He looked very sorry and very worried.”

A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport confirmed that the man had been spoken to by police and was allowed to continue with his journey.