Police issue air weapon alert

Staffordshire Police are urging parents to steer their children away from air weapons.

Six air weapon incidents were reported to the force in one night last week, including one where youths were firing at a makeshift target next to a children's home.

Officers are concerned that lighter nights and school holidays are expected to lead to an increase in incidents.

During the recent firearms amnesty, Staffordshire Police received 262 air weapons.

Superintendent Andy Franks said: "Air weapons are not toys and can prove to be lethal.

"We are appealing to parents to be aware of the dangers - their child could get hurt, they could hurt others and they could face the possibility of being confronted by armed police officers."