Warning over fake guns as gifts

Trained police cannot always determine real from fake guns

Police are urging people across Leicestershire not to buy ball bearing guns or imitation weapons for children this Christmas.

Both look like real weapons and a child carrying one in public risks being confronted by an armed officer and even shot, police warned.

Insp Paul McKinder said trained firearms officers had to respond as if they were the real thing.

Officers already give presentations on weapons to schools and youth clubs.

"Although these guns can be purchased legally, it is an offence to carry one in public and we would urge parents not to give them as gifts this Christmas," Insp McKinder said.