Arrest after children hit by airgun pellets at Edinburgh primary Published duration 31 May 2013

media caption A young schoolgirl tells of her terror as she and her friends became the target of an airgun attack in a school playground

A teenager has been arrested in Edinburgh after up to 10 primary children were struck by airgun pellets in a school playground.

The incident happened at Gilmerton Primary at lunchtime on Thursday.

The children are said to have suffered bruising after being hit with pellets, though none were significantly hurt.

Police confirmed they have detained a 16-year-old. He has been charged with reckless conduct. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Ch Insp Mark Patterson, from Police Scotland, said: "We recognise the alarm that has been caused within the community in Gilmerton as a result of this incident, for which an individual was quickly arrested and charged.

"There is nothing to indicate that there is any further risk to the public. Nonetheless, we have deployed additional patrols in the community in order to provide reassurance to pupils, parents and staff.

"In addition, our school link officer is working closely with the school community in order to address any continuing concerns as a result of this incident."

'Inappropriate use'

Under plans announced by the Scottish government last year, airgun owners will need a licence.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill launched a consultation on how the new licensing regime for air weapons would work in December.

A Scottish government spokesman said: "We received a significant public response to the recent consultation on air weapons with over 1,000 replies, and we are now undertaking a detailed review and analysis of each of them.

"This consultation was not about the principle of licensing - we have always been clear that this will happen.