CALLS by Watford MP Claire Ward for an "urgent review" of gun laws after a schoolboy was shot in the face with an air pistol, will be taken up by the Government.

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth described air gun incidents as "distressing and dangerous" and gave a guarantee he would not "dismiss the concern".

He said barriers were in place to control gun sales, but said he would "again consider the issue of age".

The minister said he would "talk to police about how we can be as effective as possible in bearing down on the misuse of these weapons".

Miss Ward told the House of Commons on Monday there was increasing concern in Watford about young people having access to air-powered firearms.

She asked Mr Ainsworth to "consider what controls and enforcement mechanisms exist to stop local shopkeepers selling these weapons to young children".

Her comments were backed by other MPs in Monday's question time, who said similar incidents had occurred in their areas.

Some called for new licensing laws on ownership.

Miss Ward said she would continue to put pressure on the Government, and promised to check the results of the Home Office review.

And the MP said she would talk to local police about the problem of access to guns.

Alarm was sparked in Watford after a 13-year-old was taken to Watford General, then moved to Middlesex Hospital, to have a pellet removed from his face.

He was shot as he played golf with a friend in Leggatts Way, next to the Harebreaks Recreation Ground on Wednesday, May 8.

Air pistols capable of firing needle-point rounds are freely available over the counter. At least two stores in Watford sell the weapons, which do not need to be licensed.

June 11, 2002 17:00