Police are keen to highlight the dangers and distress that is caused when in possession of these so-called ‘toys’ - which fire ball bearings - after two incidents in the last few weeks.

The most serious of the two cases took place on April 8 when Kenilworth police received a call from the Arthur Rank Centre in Stoneleigh.

A member of staff from the centre, whilst on his break, was standing outside when a youngster drove past in a friend's vehicle and pointed a firearm out of the window at the man.

His initial reaction was that this was a real firearm and called the police.

Officers made further enquiries and were able to establish who the offender was. This led to him being arrested for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The youth fully admitted the offence whilst in custody and received a final warning for possession of the fake firearm in a public place.

The item used turned out to be a BB gun, which has now been destroyed.

In another incident, which police say occured between March 25 and April 4, vandals struck when a double glazed window was smashed. Police believe this may have also been caused by a BB gun.

Sgt Stewart Bosworth said that reports of this nature were treated seriously by police and the courts.

“The brandishing of anything which has the appearance of being a firearm has a devastating effect on the person it is pointed at, and on the community as a whole.”

He said this type of incident was rare in Kenilworth, but he said police might have to treat the report of such a gun as a real firearm.

This might involve the possible deployment of specialist armed officers.

Pc Michael Morland added: “Police would like to advise parents and youths that BB guns look almost identical to real firearms and inappropriate use can cause alarm and distress to members of the public.”

According to the Warwickshire police website, BB Guns are an up and coming problem and are increasingly being used as imitation firearms.

Although usually sold as toys they can easily be used in crime. Whilst these guns are less powerful they are still firing out missiles that can and do hurt people and animals.