The 15-year-old shot dead by police at a McDonald’s fast food restaurant in Capelle aan den IJssel on Sunday was carrying a “rebuilt” gas alarm pistol, the public prosecution department said on Wednesday.

“The investigation has shown that the youth was in possession of a functioning firearm in the form of a rebuilt gas alarm pistol,” the department said in a statement.

Gas alarm pistols are typically made to fire blanks or tear gas canisters as a defence but can be adapted to take bullets. The statement did not say if the gun was loaded.

The teenager was shot several times by police after he ignored calls to stop and ran off. Earlier in the day he had been involved in the violent theft of a fatbike, reportedly at gunpoint. Two other youngsters arrested in connection with the robbery have been remanded in custody for a further 14 days.

According to the Telegraaf, both have a criminal record for robbery.

The department also said on Wednesday that it did not rule out further arrests because the police believe one other youngster was involved.