A woman in her 80s sparked a security scare at a court when she pulled a replica gun from her handbag.

The pensioner unwittingly beat security measures and evaded guards as she wandered into Brighton Magistrates' Court with the fake weapon.

An unsuspecting security officer at the court in Edward Street waved her past metal detectors as she said: "I want to hand something in."

The pensioner went to a reception desk and staff looked up in astonishment as she pulled the gun from her bag.

The replica was immediately confiscated and police were called but they quickly realised the woman's innocent mistake.

She had intended to hand the firearm in at the police station in John Street around the corner.

The security guard has since been "removed" from the court building and reassigned.

Security has been stepped up and everyone entering is now thoroughly searched.

The woman explained she had found the gun while clearing out a room at her Brighton home and wanted to do the right thing and give it to police.

Victoria Wallace, chief executive of the Lewes and Brighton Magistrates Courts Committee, said: "The security officer in question works for a contracted security firm and has been removed from the post. A new guard has been brought in.

"The officer in question did not stop and search the woman as they should have done.

"I get searched whenever I go into the building. There are no exceptions. This will not happen again."

Mrs Wallace said new security measures were introduced 18 months ago and a metal detector archway was installed for all visitors to walk through.

In the past security staff have found several weapons, including knives.