THE concerned owner of a gun shop in Widnes has spoken out about the dangers of allowing children to use air rifles unsupervised after a nine-year-old boy was left fighting for his life.

Nine-year-old Ben Ellams is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after being shot in the back of the head on the Runcorn/Widnes Bridge.

Jason Fogg who owns Foggs Airgun and Fishing shop on Widnes Road the only shop in Halton to sell the weapons - spoke to the World after a 12-year-old boy was questioned and released by police in connection with the incident.

Mr Fogg says he would never sell the weapons to anyone under 17 and customers are given a lengthy demonstration on operating the air guns safely. Customers are warned:

l Injury or death can result if guns are not used properly.

l Under 17s shouldnt be allowed to use the gun unsupervised.

l To never leave loaded air guns lying around.

l Shooting glasses should be worn to protect eyes.

He said: I have a secure electric door to the shop and I will simply not let children in. If I am in doubt about someones age who wants to buy a gun I will make sure they have photographic proof of age. If they dont have it then I wont sell the gun.

I hand out numerous safety instructions and the actual gun has safety messages written on it.

The air guns have several safety locks, including a trigger lock, which means the gun cannot be operated. The power unit can also be taken of the pistol, which means it cannot be fired.

Mr Fogg added: To own a gun shop you have to be above reproach, you cant even have a speeding offence and I work above and beyond the letter of the law.

Obviously I feel for this young boy and his parents. It is a horrible thing that has happened. Thats why it is so important for younger people to be supervised.

Children should be able to use these guns in a safe environment when supervised by an adult, children should not be given them by adults as toys. They should be kept safe.