By ANNA USHER

A Mosman teenager has sparked a police operation after residents spotted him with an AK-47 replica assault rifle.

Officers were called to Carrington Ave around 7pm on January 20, when concerns were raised about a boy riding an e-bike while holding a firearm.

Attending police obtained footage from one local, showing a 15-year-old male offender riding down the street and holding the alleged gun.

North Shore Police Area Command told Mosman Collective they were able to identify the male and attend his residence.

They allege the teen was still in possession of the firearm which turned out to be an AK-47 replica gel blaster, which was then seized by police.

He was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for the offence of “possess unauthorised firearm”.

What is a gel blaster?

A gel blaster is a lifelike replica gun that shoots pellets of water-soaked gel – and it is illegal in NSW. Gel blasters are considered so dangerous that police have written to every school across the state warning young people face jail if found with the weapons.

Gel blasters look very much like real military machine guns and rapid-fire pistols.

Can I possess or use a Gel Blaster in NSW?

Gel Blasters are illegal in NSW. There is no genuine reason to possess or use a Gel Blaster in NSW. As such, you cannot apply for a Permit to Acquire (PTA) a Gel Blaster and they are unable to be registered in NSW.

It is an offence to supply, acquire, possess or use a firearm that is not registered (section 36 of the Firearms Act 1996).

In NSW, A Gel Blaster has been classified as an air gun, which is defined as a firearm. The gel ball has been similarly classified as ammunition. In addition, Gel Blasters that substantially duplicate in appearance a military firearm, are classified as a prohibited firearm. Regardless of these classifications, no genuine reason exists to possess or use a Gel Blaster in NSW.