Anti-social Christmas gift plea

Parents are being urged not to buy their children dangerous or anti-social presents for Christmas.

Off-road bikes, replica and ball bearing guns, knives, alcohol and go-peds are all on Greater Manchester Police's "least wanted" list.

Imitation firearms would be confiscated if they were reported to be causing alarm in the community, the force said.

Officers are also reminding parents that to ride a mini motorcycle riders must be over 16 and properly insured.

'Wrong choice'

Possession of any kind of fireworks by anyone under 18 is also an offence.

Parents are being encouraged to ensure that if their children must have an alcoholic drink over the festive period, they do this at home and to a responsible level.

Assistant Chief Constable Vincent Sweeney, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "Presents are traditionally given at this time of year to bring joy and happiness to young people and those around them.

"The wrong choice of presents, however, can have the opposite effect, cause a nuisance and make life miserable, and even dangerous for family, friends and the wider community."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6185382.stm