Pentlands MSP and Deputy Community Care Minister, Iain Gray, has called for tougher restrictions on the supply and use of the weapons.

Police investigating two incidents

He said: "We have done some research and it appears to be the case that they're supposed to be sold to over 18s.

"It's clear there are many children who may have managed to get a hold of them.

"They're supposed to be used in proper firing ranges but youngsters are using them in playing fields.

"I'm going to continue to raise the matter with the authorities. In the meantime the important thing is to get the message out to parents that these are extremely dangerous weapons."

The danger of the weapons was seen in a recent attack on a 12-year-old boy in the Buckstone area of Edinburgh.

Iain Gray: "Tougher controls"

The boy nearly lost his sight when he was shot in the face.

In a separate incident in the Gilmerton area of the city, an elderly woman said she was hit in the back by a pellet.

Detective Inspector Kevin Greig, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "It is obvious that there are a number of these toy guns out there and probably in the hands of and being used by children.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.

"We would urge any children and parents who may have these guns not to use them in a way that could harm anyone else. Anyone using these guns should be supervised."

Age restriction

Stores are required to ask for identification from anyone who wants to buy such a gun and customers have to sign a form that lays out guidelines for their safe use.

They are not supposed to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, but the stores cannot prevent parents from giving the guns to their children.

One Glasgow shopkeeper said: "We never sell them to anyone less than 14.

"However, if someone comes in and buys one for someone who is 13, there is very little I can do about that.

"That's up to the parents to enforce."