POLICE in Thanet have reissued warnings about carrying and firing ball-bearing guns in public.

It follows the arrest of a 16-year-old boy who was shooting at passing traffic in Margate town centre.

In the last two years there have been a number of arrests for possession of the weapons that have been outlawed in the district.

A police spokesman said: “Owning and firing a BB gun at home is a private matter. Once they are carried into the public domain they are regarded as offensive weapons.

“The guns are very realistic and fire tiny hard plastic pellets which can cause injury, sometimes serious injury.

“We will respond accordingly if we receive reports that a firearm is being used and carried in a public place. We cannot take a second chance that it may be an imitation.”