Story By: Conor Sheils, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

These images show a small child carrying a realistic-looking gun as he demands cash from passing motorists.

The incident took place in Lahad Datu, the capital of the Lahad Datu District in the Tawau Division of Sabah, Malaysia.

In the pictures, the shirtless youngster, who appears no more than five-years-old, can be seen approaching motorists and asking for money as they are stopped in traffic.

However, there is one difference which sets this youngster apart from others begging on the streets of the city – he is waving around a very realistic-looking gun.

Unsurprisingly, motorists called the police and the pint-sized youngster was arrested.

In another picture, he can be seen posing for a mugshot wearing handcuffs far too big for his tiny frame.

According to local media, the gun was a toy given to the young lad by his mum to play with.

According to local media, she denies that the toy was designed to be used for anything more sinister than playing.

The operation to arrest the youngster also meant that 15 others in the areas linked to him were also collared for allegedly lacking any legitimate identification papers.

Local police chief Nasri Mansor told local media that 11 out of the 15 detained were children. The oldest detainee is 31-years-old.

This case will be investigated under Section 6 (1) of the 1959/63 Immigration Act.

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