POLICE in Folkestone are warning youngsters they will be arrested if they carry BB guns in public.

The warning comes after two youths, one aged 13 and the other 14, were arrested in the town following reports that they had been firing a BB gun at an 11-year-old girl.

They have been questioned and released on police bail while officers make further enquiries about the incident. The youths are due to report back at Folkestone Police Station at the end of October.

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.

Chief Insp Paul Wilczek said: “BB guns are not toys and should never be carried in public. I urge parents to strongly consider all the dangers before allowing children and young people to have them and roam the streets with them.”

He added: “BB guns have the potential to cause serious injury or worse. This is a warning to anyone who is found in possession of one that you will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.”