PARENTS are being urged not to buy replica guns as gifts this Christmas — or their children could end up face-to-face with an armed police officer.

The warning came as officers revealed armed units were being deployed twice a week on callouts which usually turned out to involve imitation weapons.

Chief Inspector Ian Sewart said: “Replica weapons look so much like the real thing that they can easily terrorise individuals and communities.

“When we respond to such incidents we cannot always identify whether a gun is real or fake.

“Carrying an imitation gun could ultimately result in an armed officer having to challenge a teenager.”

In the past six months there have been 396 incidents reported to Lancashire police by residents which may have required an armed policing response.

In the same period the armed response unit was actually deployed to 53 incidents, with most involving replica or ball-bearing guns.

Only a minority actually involved genuine firearms.

Police said the main culprits were teenagers and called for ‘common sense to prevail’.

Mr Sewart said: “While they are legal to own, parents must ask themselves whether it’s really appropriate or necessary for children to have these guns.

“The last thing we want to be seen as is party poopers but the fact is most children, parents and teachers are unaware of the risks generated by toy guns.”

He also urged retailers to realise their legal responsibilities and asked anyone who may have spotted weapons which they feel should not be on sale to call police.

Solly Khonat, president of the National Federation of Newsagents, urged retailers to behave responsibly when dealing with imitation and toy guns.

His own shop was targeted by a 13-year-old who demanded cash while wielding an imitation firearm.

While his staff did not take the youngster seriously, he later threatened a pensioner outside a post office in Preston New Road.

Mr Khonat, also a Blackburn councillor, said: “I would share the concerns of the police because we had our own incident.

“If I was buying any toys for my grandchildren then I would be looking to purchase something educational.

“But I would say to retailers that they should only buy these kinds of toys from recognised retailers, or cash and carries, and make sure they are British Standards approved.”

People with concerns about fake firearm sales are being asked to call 0845 125 3545 to arrange a joint inspection by the constabulary and Lancashire trading standards.