Police armed with machine guns swooped on youths filming a music video after a worried resident’s tip-off one of the group had a gun.

The youths were using a toy weapon as they filmed a video aimed at turning teenagers away from violence.

Rapper and youth worker Richard Abiona criticised police after armed officers disrupted filming on the Phipp’s Bridge estate on Saturday.

He said he understood why police were called to the shoot, in which a toy gun was used during a night-time scene, but was angry with how he and others were treated after they explained the situation.

Mr Abiona said he and about seven others were filming the scene in an alleyway near Parkview Drive at about 11pm when about 15 armed police ran at them with machine guns. He said everyone instantly lay on the floor, protesting that they were making a video.

But he complained that even as he showed officers footage, two of the group – including its only female member – were being handcuffed.

He also said police should have provided paperwork or contact details before they left. No arrests were made.

The video’s director said: “It’s traumatising. You can’t run up on people with guns and just leave. It was like a nightmare. It was a big shock to all of us.

“We don’t normally go through that in everyday life – we’re far away from it.”

Mr Abiona is a Phipp’s Bridge resident and co-founder of the Escape Youth group, which runs a free youth club and summer scheme for young people in Mitcham.

Last year he and co-founder Andre Hackett appeared in a television programme celebrating individuals doing exceptional work in their communities.

He said the crew had been filming on the estate since 9am on Saturday, using professional sound and camera equipment in locations around the estate.

Mr Abiona has since admitted he should have told the authorities filming was taking place.

The video, for Mr Abiona’s own track Billy Elliot’s Black, highlights the dangers teenagers face in getting involved in guns and gangs.

He said he wanted to arrange a meeting between officers and the young people involved to improve communication between the groups, something the police said they would agree to.

He said: “We’re all trying to make a change in our community.

“I told [the young people] stuff happens and you can't let it get to you.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were called by a concerned resident to reports of a group in possession of a firearm in Parkview Drive, Mitcham. “The group were given words of advice and the toy gun was seized.”