POLICE fear a number of potentially-dangerous air-guns have been brought into Darlington following a school trip to eastern Europe.

Their fear has been sparked by the confiscation of two identical ball-bearing guns from the Cockerton and Mowden area of town.

On the first occasion, a gun was seized from youths who were seen pointing it at each other in Westfield Drive.

And on Thursday night, police were called to Mowden Junior School after two youths were spotted playing with a gun on the roof.

The gun was taken off the youths, who were aged 14.

Officers believe the guns were brought back by year nine youngsters from Humersknott School, who recently returned from a school trip to Poland.

They are concerned that more guns could have been brought back and are warning parents about the dangers of allowing their children to go out on the streets with them.

PC Nick Calvert, the local beat officer, said: "These guns are very powerful at close range, and they could easily put someone's eye out.

"The guns are not illegal, but we do not want children running around the streets with them."

One of the main concerns of police is that if there are more guns in circulation, it could eventually lead to an armed response unit being sent out if children are seen with them.

PC Calvert added: "The guns look very convincing, and it could only take one call from a member of the public to send armed officers out.

"Although the guns fire only pellets, the officers may not know that, and we want to make parents aware of the potential dangers."

Inspector Dennis Dixon, from Darlington police, has reiterated the warning.

He said: "If these guns are used on the streets, they could be met with a fully armed response."

Police are to get in touch with the school to find out if any more guns were brought back.