FIREARMS officers have been in Cooper's Edge to talk about the dangers of misusing BB guns.
The Hucclecote Local Policing Team has received several reports recently of children firing BBs at animals and people.
PCSO Jenny Norris and PCSO Khim Mortimer visited the youth group in Cooper's Edge on Saturday with PC Simon Trower from the firearms unit.
The young people were shown both real and imitation handguns to demonstrate the difficulty police face when attending incidents where guns are reported.
They said the young people were surprised at how difficult it was to tell them apart even close up.
PC Trower explained that armed police officers do not always have the luxury of getting a close look at guns when dealing with serious incidents.
Officers told the youngsters that firing a BB gun at another person can do serious harm and constitutes assault.
If you fire them at animals or property then you are committing criminal damage.
PCSO Khim Mortimer said "We hope that in showing these young people the difficult decisions police sometimes have to make regarding firearms, it will make them think twice before taking a BB gun out to play with.
"We have confiscated and destroyed BB guns in the past and given words of warning to both children and their parents.
"This talk was an attempt to educate children in the area even more and I believe has had a very positive impact on them.
"The youth sessions in Cooper's Edge are organised by Brockworth Community Project (BCP).
General Manager of BCP Matthew Tope said: "Thanks to the officers for giving up their time."It was very enlightening.
"Lets hope it makes a difference."
The Hucclecote Local Policing Team has received several reports recently of children firing BBs at animals and people.
PCSO Jenny Norris and PCSO Khim Mortimer visited the youth group in Cooper's Edge on Saturday with PC Simon Trower from the firearms unit.
The young people were shown both real and imitation handguns to demonstrate the difficulty police face when attending incidents where guns are reported.
They said the young people were surprised at how difficult it was to tell them apart even close up.
PC Trower explained that armed police officers do not always have the luxury of getting a close look at guns when dealing with serious incidents.
Officers told the youngsters that firing a BB gun at another person can do serious harm and constitutes assault.
If you fire them at animals or property then you are committing criminal damage.
PCSO Khim Mortimer said "We hope that in showing these young people the difficult decisions police sometimes have to make regarding firearms, it will make them think twice before taking a BB gun out to play with.
"We have confiscated and destroyed BB guns in the past and given words of warning to both children and their parents.
"This talk was an attempt to educate children in the area even more and I believe has had a very positive impact on them.
"The youth sessions in Cooper's Edge are organised by Brockworth Community Project (BCP).
General Manager of BCP Matthew Tope said: "Thanks to the officers for giving up their time."It was very enlightening.
"Lets hope it makes a difference."
