KENT Police are warning youngsters that they will be arrested if they carry BB guns in public.

The warning comes after two boys, aged 11 and 12, were arrested in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, on Saturday evening following reports that they were firing BB guns at passing cars and had caused damage by firing at a telephone kiosk.

The boys were questioned and charged with possession of an imitation firearm in a public place and also criminal damage. They were released on police bail to answer before Folkestone Youth Court on Tuesday, November 29.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, it is an arrestable offence to carry an imitation firearm in a public place, whether or not it is capable of discharging a shot or a bullet.

Carrying an air weapon in public, loaded or not, is also an offence. The maximum penalty is six months imprisonment.