Warnings Over Imitation Firearms

Traders are being warned about the illegal sale of imitation firearms as the festive season approaches.

Dorset Police Firearms Officers are reminding anyone who sells realistic imitation firearms that they face 51 weeks imprisonment if they fail to comply with strict regulations.

Officers are also reminding parents about the dangers of buying BB guns for their children this Christmas.

Sergeant Lee Chamberlain, of the Tactical firearms Unit, said: "Some replica toy guns, such as BB guns, look so realistic that they can't be told apart from the real thing.

"Parents should think carefully before buying BB guns as presents because of the dangers users risk, such as being confronted by armed officers."

Highly trained specialist armed officers attend all reports of people carrying a firearm in a public place.

Anyone found in possession of an imitation firearm in a public place not only risk being confronted by armed officers but six months imprisonment.

Sergeant Chamberlain continued: "Some imitation guns are indistinguishable from real ones, so when police receive reports of firearms being seen by members of the public officers have to assume that they are real.

"To ensure the safety of the residents of Dorset and protect the public, armed officers are deployed to all reported incidents of firearms being seen.