THE number of firearms offences in Dorset has rocketed

Government figures show the number of incidents involving guns in the county has risen from 14 to 34 between April 2001 and April 2002.

The statistics, which were released by the Home Office, do not include offences involving airguns.

Nationally, firearms were used in 9,974 recorded incidents, which is an increase of 35 per cent from 7,362 for the same period in 2000.

Dorset Police's new assistant chief constable, Adrian Whiting, said increased incidents involving firearms in the county reflects the national picture.

He said: "Dorset Police is concerned about the issue and places a very strong and robust emphasis on enforcement, public protection and education. We work very hard to deter gun crime." The national trend of rising gun culture has led to Home Secretary David Blunkett announcing proposed legislation banning people carrying replica guns in public without a good reason.

There are also plans to raise the age limit for the ownership of airguns from 14 to 17.

Dorset Police chiefs have welcomed the move.

Mr Whiting said: "This proposed legislation from the Government to ban the carrying in public of replica guns, BB guns and air weapons - as well as not allowing anyone under 17 to acquire or use an air weapon unless supervised by an adult - is good news."

He said it makes the point these weapons are not toys and added: "The carrying of these weapons in public is unacceptable and can be the cause of fear among the public.

"There is no justification for someone to carry an imitation weapon in a public place without a good reason."

The force has released its own figures, which show the number of firearms offences in the county has fallen.

They reveal the number of incidents have dropped from 63 in 2001 to 48, differing from the new Home Office figures.

A spokesman said their statistics only relate to incidents involving firearms people need to have a licence for and the figures are for between January 1 and December 31, 2002.

Home Office Minister John Denham said: "Although crime overall remains stable, I am concerned at the significant rise we have seen in firearm offences.

"We said earlier this week that we would introduce a five-year minimum sentence for possession of a firearm as well as new offences to tighten up the law on air weapons and replica firearms."