Police Commissioner warns over Christmas gun gifts

Shaun Wright, South Yorkshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, issued the advice after several incidents nationally of young people carrying imitation guns in public.

He said: “If you have a replica gun such as a BB gun, pellet gun or air rifle then you are more likely to harm yourself or someone else.

“BB guns, pellet guns and air rifles are imitation firearms and it is illegal for them to be carried in a public place.

“If misused they can cause serious or fatal injuries, furthermore, if the police receive reports from members of public of someone, young or old, carrying what looks like to be a gun, this will result in armed officers being deployed.”

A team of armed police officers are delivering an anti-gun and knife crime presentation called Guns and Knives Take Lives to secondary schools across South Yorkshire, discussing the dangers of imitation guns amongst other topics.