Police Must Improve Gun Control - Farron

Figures showing that 19 young people have been arrested by Cumbria Police in the last 3 years for firearms related offences in the last three years shows that Cumbria Police must improve its gun regulation in the county, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron.

Freedom of Information requests have revealed the figures, which included a 10-year-old, two 11-year-olds and two 12-year-olds. Between January 2013 and January 2016, Cumbria Police have arrested 19 young people for offences involving firearms, air weapons and imitation guns.

These revelations come following a 2015 report by the police watchdog criticised Cumbria Police's record on gun regulation and licensing.

Tim said: "These figures are alarming, showing that even very young children are managing to get hold of potentially lethal weapons. These revelations are further confirmation of the concerns raised in the report by the police watchdog last year about gun licensing in Cumbria. It appears to be all too easy for people to illegally get hold of weapons which could put our communities at risk. Cumbria Police must do more to ensure that, whilst farmers and others can have access to guns for legitimate purposes, these weapons do not end up in the wrong hands."