The origin of the replica gun is not yet known, but it is believed to fit the description of weapons used by the police firearms unit during role-play tactical scenarios where officers have to search premises to locate a hidden weapon before disposing of it.

A police spokesman confirmed today that police had been notified of the gun’s discovery and that Tayside Police had used the hotel as a training site on several occasions in 2005.

A police investigation has been launched into the weapon’s origin.

A police spokesman said, “Tayside Police officers attended at the Premier Travel lodge on Tuesday and recovered a replica firearm.

“The weapon had been concealed behind a fixed panel at the back of a sink. A full inquiry, including forensic analysis, is now underway to establish the origin of the replica weapon.

“The fact that this hotel was used as a search training venue by Tayside Police on a number of occasions during 2005, will form part of that inquiry.”

The firearms department is one of Tayside’s most specialised units with responsibility for providing the resources and capabilities to tackle incidents when officers may be required to use firearms.

Given the dangerous nature of the group’s work, the department’s small group of officers have to endure a rigorous training schedule over a two-year period.

An authorised firearms officer is continually assessed by nationally qualified instructors through a variety of means, including role-play tactical scenarios, the use of firearms and the handling of a variety of weapons.

Tayside Police lost a bag of drugs during a dog training exercise in Forfar at the end of April.

A clear plastic bag, bearing the words Dog Training Sample, contained an unnamed Class A drug which, depending on market influences, police said may have a street value of up to £500.