Gun Control Network call for 'greater regulation' around air weapons after recent Sheffield incident
It led to 6 people getting taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries
People who own air weapons across South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire are being reminded they 'aren't toys' & are far 'more powerful' than they used to be.
Anti-gun crime campaigners want to see tougher licencing laws brought in across England & Wales - similar to what got introduced in Scotland 8 years ago.
It's after 6 people were taken to hospital last week following an incident involving an air rifle in the Hansdworth part of Sheffield on Wednesday - which led to the arrest of 5 teenagers.
Peter Squires is from the Gun Control Network in the UK:
"I think it's time to act. Incidents like what we saw in Sheffield last week are part of the problem around youth violence, which the government says it's committed to tackling.
"It's an opportune moment to bring air weapons into the licencing system, to suppress the problem, and do something about this kind of emerging, violent threat.
"There are around 2,500 air weapon injuries per year - this is something we need to do something about.
"We've seen that registration, as it is in Scotland, can make a significant difference to the scale of the problem.
"Air weapons are not what they used to be.
"They're more powerful, more accurate, and potentially more lethal.
"They're also the most stolen gun, and they're the gun that when it's fired is the most causing of injury.
"However, these injuries are less likely to be as serious because they're lowly powered compared to other firearms, but they can blind people."
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“This was an appalling incident, and we can understand the level of concern it has caused.
“There are already strict laws in place over the possession and use of air weapons in public, and those laws will be enforced.”