Police were called to Sharwood Place on December 6 after they received a report two boys had been firing a weapon in a nearby reserve.

Information from residents, who told police they were concerned and alarmed at the boys’ actions, led officers to the one of the boys’ homes.

At the home, officers spoke to his mother. 

Two boys then presented themselves to police and produced what is known as blow pipe or PVC cannon. 

According to police, the pipe had been modified to a point where it was shaped like a rifle and had what appeared to be a stock to place against the shoulder when firing.

A second blow gun, which had been left out the front of a garage, was also seized.

The weapons are prohibited under Schedule 1 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998.  

Lake Illawarra police Crime Prevention Officer Acting Sergeant Mark Scott said given the current terror alert level in Australia was high, using any type of firearm in a public space would cause concern.

‘‘In this instance the weapon looked like a firearm, giving credence to the fear that was generated,’’ Act Sgt Scott said.

‘‘The PVC cannon is certainly capable of causing injury to a person.’’

The boys, from Gerringong and Barrack Heights, were summonsed on Wednesday to appear in Kiama Children’s Court on March 2.