SNP demands licensing over airguns

AIRGUN incidents in Scotland are running at more than one a day, new statistics revealed today.

Police recorded 415 occasions when an air weapon was reported to have been used in a crime or offence in 2003. There were a further 361 incidents involving "unidentified" weapons.

SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon described the statistics as "frightening" and claimed they underlined the urgent need for a licensing scheme to be introduced north of the Border.

Tighter restrictions on the use of air weapons were included in legislation unveiled by the Government earlier this month, but the proposals stopped short of a licensing system.

First Minister Jack McConnell spoke in favour of a licensing scheme after the death of Glasgow toddler Andrew Morton, killed by an airgun pellet in March.

Air weapons are a Westminster responsibility but he has said he does not believe the Government's proposals go far enough.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The fact that an airgun is used illegally at least once a day in Scotland is a shocking and frightening statistic.

This only underlines that we need urgent action now to curb the irresponsible use of airguns and that means a licensing scheme.

"Jack McConnell was happy to talk big on the issue during an election campaign, but now that Labour in Westminster has published their intentions in this area we know that the First Minister was all talk and no action."