A MAN who confronted people outside a Poole shop while brandishing an imitation firearm has been jailed for five years.

Wanrong Liang appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court today (May 12) to be sentenced for possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, as well as charges of possessing a prohibited weapon – relating to the possession of CS gas – and an offence of possessing a disguised firearm – relating to an electronic incapacitation device.

At around 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 4, Dorset Police received a report of a man brandishing what appeared to be a firearm toward a group of young people outside the Spar shop in Turlin Road.

Officers attended and spoke to various members of the public, who reported that a man on an electric bike had shouted abuse at them.

The man then got off the bike and pulled out what was believed to be an imitation black revolver and followed them as they went into the shop.

He was said to be waving the weapon around before leaving the store, getting back on his bike and riding off.

Following searches and enquiries by officers, 30-year-old Liang was arrested and a search of his address in Poole was conducted.

The weapon that is believed to have brandished at the Spar store, an electronic incapacitation device and CS gas were located during the search.

The incident happened outside a Spar store in Turling Road, Poole. Picture: Google

Detective Constable Natasha Beaufils, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We take all incidents involving imitation firearms and prohibited weapons extremely seriously.

“Thanks to the swift response by officers on the night of Wednesday 4 January 2023, we were able to identify Liang as the person involved in this incident and a subsequent search of his address uncovered a number of potentially dangerous weapons.

“This was a challenging and complex investigation with regards to compiling evidence and building a successful case against the defendant. This ensure that Liang could be held accountable for his actions and the distress that he caused.

“I would urge anyone with information about individuals who are believed to be in possession of prohibited weapons to please do the right thing and report it to police, so we can take robust action against those involved and keep the public safe.”