Airgun-wielding yobs could face police marksmen in the street if they continue to flout the law, Basildon police have warned.

Officers will not take a soft line on anyone found misusing an airgun following a spate of dangerous and frightening incidents in the town.

One resulted in 14-year-old Louise Barton being hospitalised for a week, after an operation to remove the pellet in her leg. A 16-year-old boy had to have a pellet dislodged from the back of his neck after he was shot in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea.

Other casualties who have since needed hospital treatment were two women and a young boy.

Insp Vic Wallace of Basildon police said: "These incidents have serious consequences, not just for the victims but for the people who use these weapons on the streets - they risk imprisonment.

"With some of these attacks we could even be talking about charges of attempted murder - it is certainly not kids' stuff."

He added: "A lot of young people get airguns initially for a bit of target practice in their back gardens.

"Unfortunately, you get a minority who first start shooting at birds and cats and then, unbelievably, at people."

Under the Firearms Act 1968 children under 14 cannot possess an air weapon but can use in within the confines of private property. It is illegal for someone under the age of 17 to be in possession of an air pistol in public.

Insp Wallace said: "The law is there to prevent crimes. For instance, anyone caught carrying a loaded air weapon in public could face a six month jail sentence and a hefty fine.

"Police cannot afford to take any chances following tragedies such as Dunblane. We will send armed officers in response to gun sightings."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.