A REVIEW of policy regarding the sale of replica and ball-bearing guns on Bolton's market stalls is continuing, council officers say.

Calls were made for a total ban on their sale after the Bolton Evening News bought a 6mm replica Uzi machine gun for less than £50.

The weapon can only fire plastic ball-bearings, but is a replica of the one used in the killings of Birmingham teenagers Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis following a New Year's Day party.

Chief Supt Don Brown, of Bolton Police, wants to discuss local gun policy with Bolton Council's market bosses.

A council spokesman today confirmed that the review had begun, but could not say how long it would take. It follows new Government laws regarding air weapons and replica guns.

Youths aged under 17 will be banned from carrying them unsupervised.

Legislation is due to make it illegal to carry imitation guns in public places without good reasons.