A MOTHER has hit out at shops selling ball bearing (BB) guns after her son was involved in a security alert on a train.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said she was concerned someone could be shot by police.

Armed officers cornered four youths when a member of the public raised the alarm after they saw the youngsters brandishing the weapons in Middlesbrough.

Officers boarded the Middlesbrough to Darlington train at Eaglescliffe station on Tuesday night.

The mother said: "I think it is unbelievable that children can buy these guns for under a pound. My son was not asked for any identification and was not asked any questions about his age.

"It was such a shock to find out he had bought the gun, but it was more frightening to find out that armed officers had been involved. In this day and age, they could easily have been shot.

"Hopefully the police will be looking into the availability of these weapons."

Police have warned youngsters that BB guns are not toys and have urged parents to make sure their children do not buy them.

In recent years, there have been instances of young people being killed by tragedies involving BB guns and air weapons.