Gun-toting youngsters are risking lives - including their own - in taking pot-shots at passing cars, police warned today (Tuesday).

The strong line has come from detectives after a number of incidents centred around the Luncies Road junction with South Mayne in Basildon.

One motorist, 55-year-old Alfred Duff of Benfleet, fell victim to what he believes was an airgun attack on June 26.

Last year, following a spate of sightings of youngsters carrying air rifles around the town, Insp Vic Wallace emphasised the dangers of carrying weapons.

Under the Firearms Act 1968 children under 14 cannot possess an air weapon but can use it within the confines of private property.

Anyone caught carrying a loaded air weapon in public faces a six month jail sentence and a hefty fine.

Insp Wallace also warned children could end up looking down the barrel of someone else's gun - Essex Police's Heckler and Koch machine guns.

He said: " We will send armed officers in response to gun sightings."

Anyone with information should contact PC Diane Capon on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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