Police warn kids of BB guns danger

Police in Beverley are preparing to visit primary schools to warn pupils about the dangers of BB guns after three youngsters were shot in a local park.

A 12-year-old boy was at the skate park off Flemingate with friends when he saw another boy approach and fire what has been described as a BB gun at him.

He was shot in the arm while two of his friends were also shot.

One boy has been issued a reprimand in relation to the incident.

The Beverley Neighbourhood Policing Team is now arranging to speak to pupils at schools in the area to raise awareness of the dangers involved in the use of guns.

PC Martin Pepper, the officer who dealt with the incident, said primary school pupils would be educated about the dangers of using the weapons.

He said: "This initiative is something that has come as a result of the initial incident at the skatepark and concerns it would pick up over the summer.

"The main age we are looking to target is year five and six of primary school and year seven of secondary schools.

"Once people get above that age they are aware of what they are getting involved in so it is more down to their own decision, whereas younger pupils may be oblivious to the dangers."

PC Pepper said PSCOs were already volunteering to take part in the scheme, which he hoped to launch before the summer holidays.

The parent of one of the youngsters who was shot at, who did not want to be named, said he was totally shocked by the incident.

He said: "I couldn't believe it had happened. When I first found out I was furious.

"When your kids go out around Beverley this is the last thing you expect to happen.

"I support any initiative which could stop this happening again."