A child as young as eight has been issued a shotgun licence in Kent, it has been revealed.

The youngster, who was granted the certificate by Kent Police, is among the youngest in the country to have legal access to a shotgun.

The shock figures came to light after a freedom of information request by Sky News to forces in England and Wales.

They revealed a total of 670 shotgun licences have been given to under 14s in England and Wales in the past five years.

Some campaigners say it glorifies gun use - while others say it teaches responsibility.

Christine Hall from the Gun Control Network - which campaigns for stricter firearm laws - says: "The danger it poses is the mindset in the child that it's fun to kill things.

"It seems strange that a child can't go in a pub and have a pint, but they can have access to a shotgun."

But Kent Police insists "strict conditions" apply when issuing shotgun and firearms licences.

A spokesman said young people must apply for the licence themselves and have a counter-signatory aged over 21, and anyone under 19 must be supervised at all times when carrying or using a shotgun.

The force also contacts the school attended by the applicant to gain information about their behaviour before issuing a licence.

A total of 22, 573 shotgun licences and 5,473 firearms licences - including one issued to a 15-year-old - are currently held in the county.

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