Residents have reacted with shock after damage was caused to a home and an imitation gun was seized by police.

Police said it is reported that the occupant of an address in Rylands Lane, Wyke Regis, heard a loud noise and discovered a small hole in a window. This was around 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 13.

A second incident occurred at around 3.15pm on Friday, March 15, at the same location. Further damage was caused to a window and a group of young people were seen running away from the area.

Read more: Teenagers detained after criminal damage to a window in Wyke

Officers attended and following searches, three teenage boys were detained for a search. An imitation firearm was also seized, and the boys are due to attend a voluntary police interview.

Residents have reacted with surprise to the news.

One resident said: "It is normally a quiet street. There's never really that many issues so I am surprised."

A fellow resident said: "It is totally unusual. Kids are more out of hand these days. It is a quiet area normally. If I had seen that happen I would have been on the phone to police straight away."

Another resident, who saw two police cars in the street, said: "All the commotion was the path to the Rodwell Trail. I saw a couple of police cars and some youngsters."

A neighbour said: "Let's hope it doesn't happen again. Things like this are happening more and more, you just have to look after yourself."

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following the two reports of criminal damage.

Police Constable Liam Sutherland, of Weymouth police, said: “An investigation is underway into these incidents and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around the relevant times.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have captured any relevant footage on home CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240039301.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.