Police have issued a warning after receiving several reports of people being shot with gel pellets as a result of a new TikTok challenge.

A worrying new trend called the Orbeez Challenge is circulating on social media, particularly TikTok, which encourages people to target strangers with gel pellet guns.

Police in East Lancashire are warning anyone thinking of taking part in the Orbeez challenge to “stop, be sensible and think of the potential risk that this could cause” to avoid anymore people being shot at.

The use of gel guns can easily be mistaken as a firearm being discharged and police warn that this kind of anti-social behaviour can cause alarm and distress in East Lancashire communities.

Superintendent Derry Crorken said: “We have seen several reports of incidents across East Lancashire where people are being hit by gel pellets.

"Luckily, nobody has been seriously injured, though they do have the potential to cause injury.

“I would urge anyone who is thinking of using them recklessly or in an anti-social manner to think again as they may face arrest.”

To report an incident to Lancashire Police, call 101 or report online at https://orlo.uk/Vd0sx