CHILDREN as young as eight have been caught with guns in Greater Manchester.

It is believed that some of them had been asked to look after weapons for gang members or were stopped with guns belonging to their parents or other relatives.

The figures did not reveal the specific type of firearms - which could include air weapons. But police sources say some of the youngsters were caught with real firearms that fire deadly bullets.

Now gun campaigners have called for parents to face charges.

Lucy Cope, from Mothers Against Guns, said: "These figures further highlight that the perpetrators of gun crime are getting younger. The consequences of an inquisitive eight-year-old getting their hands on a gun do not bear thinking about.

“The parents of children who are found in possession of guns must be brought to court and penalised. The first judge who does this will send out the message of zero tolerance that is still desperately needed.”

The figures, obtained by the M.E.N. under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal two children aged eight and three nine-year-olds were stopped on suspicion of breaking the Firearms Act. This includes offences such as possession or firing a gun and/or ammunition. They are among 113 youngsters stopped by officers since 2004.

None of the children under 10 were arrested or charged, as they are below the age of criminal responsibility.

Seriously

Det Supt Steve Heywood, chairman of Xcalibre – the police's response to firearms across Greater Manchester – said: “We treat anyone caught with guns seriously. But police, the council and probation service, can only do so much.

“The problem often starts at home. If walking around with a gun at home is acceptable it makes it harder for us to deal with gun crime culture outside the home.

“There is some anecdotal evidence that some gang members use girlfriends, mothers and even children to conceal guns.

"Those who are getting involved in gangs now are getting younger.”

A total of 50 youngsters caught with guns were 15. A further 27 were 14,16 were 13, 12 were 12-years-olds and three were just 11.

Summoned

And 51 of the children faced charges or were summoned to court. A further 46 were given warnings.

Prof. Peter Squires, of the Gun Control Network, said the figures were not surprising. He said: "In the more troubling cases serious offenders will have given young children guns to carry because they are off the surveillance radar.

"It will take some years before Home Office measures to tackle gun crime take effect.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Gun crime remains a rare event in this country. However, statistics are little comfort to families and communities affected and we are determined to do everything we can to tackle the problem.”

Manchester has been earmarked for the Tackling Violence Action Plan scheme. It will target youngsters at risk of falling into gun crime, such as the younger siblings of known gang members.