POLICE in Darwen are investigating whether airguns are being sold illegally to children after a series of incidents in the town.

Officers have been called several times to Harwood Street by elderly residents concerned about youths firing plastic ball bearing guns in the area.

Last month a window of a terrace house in Clarence Street, Earcroft, was smashed by a pellet, and two cats also needed surgery after being hit by air guns in the Heys Lane area.

Now members of the neighbourhood policing team are going shop-to-shop to make sure the law is adhered to.

PCSO Chris Williams said: “We’ve had a couple of complaints about youths playing with BB guns.

“Officers have spoken to the youths to advise them about their behaviour and they have also been visiting shops to make sure retailers are aware of the laws on the sale of these items.

“We will be keeping an eye on the situation and won’t hesitate to take further action if required.”

Sunnyhurst Councillor Dave Smith said the Harwood Street area of the Sunnyhurst ward has been recently blighted by “problem families”, and investigations are also ongoing into reports of youths trespassing on a nearby building site.

He said: “Coun Brian Taylor and I have raised this issue with the police and we’re pleased they’re making the area a priority.

“We support the work of officers in cracking down on the anti-social behaviour occurring at the end of Harwood Street, Vale Street and Hindle Street.”

In England, people under the age of 14 are only allowed to use a BB gun whilst under the direct supervision and control of someone over 21, while on private property with the permission of the owner of the premises.