ONE of the region's Euro MPs says he intends to step up pressure for Europe-wide action to halt what he describes as "the ever-growing catalogue of incidents involving the misuse of air weapons by young people".

Yorkshire and Humber MEP David Bowe was speaking after being told by European Commissioner Frits Bolkestein that present European Union controls on the purchase and ownership of weapons do not cover air guns or air pistols - a loophole, he says, must be closed.

Mr Bowe said: "Mr Bolkestein has told me that there are no current controls on air weapons at present and argues that there is no evidence of any need for Community-wide action on the matter - suggesting that it should be left to the individual member states to deal with the problem.

"I certainly intend to make it clear to the commissioner that, in my view, there is overwhelming evidence that this is a matter which demands urgent attention, certainly by the UK Government but also at EU level.

"It is a real and serious issue of public safety where I believe Europe could give a very valuable lead."