Increase in replica guns causes police concern
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CONCERN is growing among Britain's police forces over a vast increase in the number of replica guns flooding into the country, writes Steve Boggan.
More than 3 million were sold last year in a trend that is alarming firearms experts, who say many cannot be distinguished from the real thing.
Because most forces tell weapons-trained officers they must treat replicas as real guns, fears are mounting that unnecessary casualties are inevitable.
The number of incidents involving guns is rising. In London alone last year, firearms teams were involved in 561 operations. The Metropolitan Police's Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs) - patrolling police cars containing an armoury, introduced last year - drew firearms on 132 occasions. Shots were fired just once.
In the first six months of 1992, London firearms officers were involved in 350 armed operations, with ARVs drawing firearms on 117 occasions. Shots were fired twice.
Chief Superintendent Rick Johnson, of the force's firearms unit, said: 'If we could have sufficient legislation to stop replica guns being produced, then we would welcome it. But I don't think the Government could ever produce legislation strong enough to stop them. How can you enforce a law which is unenforceable?'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments