A NORTH-EAST MP is leading calls to tighten the laws on selling airguns to youngsters.
Sunderland South Labour MP Chris Mullin is one of a number of MPs demanding action following a spate of airgun attacks.
Nicola Diston, 15, was left blind in one eye after she was shot with an air weapon as she walked home in Leam Lane, Gateshead.
Daniel Lumsden, 18, from Donside, Gateshead, and 17-year-old Damon Davison of Sheraton, Gateshead, were locked up for the attack in March this year.
The MPs are calling for the legal age for buying airguns to be raised.
Under existing legislation, it is illegal to sell an airgun to anyone under the age of 17 or give an air weapon to someone under 14.
Junior Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth had initially appeared unconvinced of the case for tighter controls, believing much could be done through existing legislation.
But, following a meeting with MPs this week, he has agreed to look again at the issue.
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