POLICE are set to get tough on air rifle yobs after a spate of shootings in public areas.

There have been reports of people shooting at wildlife in parks in Leigh. Now police have said they will prosecute anyone found shooting in a public space.

Sally Wolstencroft, Wigan Council’s head of safer, cleaner and greener, said: “While some gun enthusiasts may simply be unaware of their legal responsibilities, for instance in ensuring air rifles remain covered in a public places, recent local cases suggest others are openly flouting the law.

“The use of any firearm must be within the law and it is against the law for a person to use one — or even have one uncovered — in a public park or open space to prevent any risk of deliberate or accidental injury to people or animals.

“Sadly, there is also a small minority of gun users who consider inflicting pain on wildlife as some kind of sick sport.”