The assault rifle found in a Selsdon flat and led to the arrest of a 13-year-old girl is a replica, according to police.

A 13-year-old girl was arrested after cops raided the Monk's Hill estate and discovered the weapon in a flat in Tedder Road on Tuesday.

A 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were later arrested.

The police were led to believe a firearm was at the premises and decided to act for fear it may be used in the borough.

But having seized the weapon, forensic tests revealed it was a replica.

Superintendent Dave Stringer, Croydon Police, said: "We will continue to act robustly in order to deter and disrupt those who seek to bring guns into Croydon.

"Gun crime will not be tolerated and we are working tirelessly to bring those involved with gun crime to justice."

All three people arrested have been released with no further charges.

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