POLICE are warning parents to be wary of toy guns after an incident at the weekend when a boy was hit in the eye with a pellet.

The 14-year-old, from Redcar, received hospital treatment after being struck by a pellet from a plastic gun on Saturday.

Three youths, aged about 16-18, were seen running towards Valley Gardens in Saltburn following the incident on the sea front.

PC Claire Brunskill of Saltburn Police warned that the toy guns, which look like metal BB guns, can be dangerous weapons.

"They fire plastic ball bearings which come out with force and can cause nasty injuries," she said. "You can buy them in toy shops. They only cost about £2."

PC Brunskill added that as the guns are so easily obtainable, and are specifically designed for children, parents may not realise their potential to cause harm.

"When parents turn their backs, children are likely to misuse the guns," she said.

Roger Vincent of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents added: "Each year people are injured with both toys and weapons, often as a result of fooling around. A second's mistake can lead to tragedy."

He urged anyone concerned about the safety of a toy to contact their local trading standards office.

PC Brunskill has asked anyone who witnessed Saturday's incident to contact the police on (01642) 302626.