POLICE are today appealing for information following a possible drive-by shooting at an Ipswich furniture store.Adrian Marjoram, owner of Quality Furnishings in Felixstowe Road was shocked to find three panes dotted with holes apparently made by ball bearings fired from a fake gun.

POLICE are today appealing for information following a possible shooting at an Ipswich furniture store.

Adrian Marjoram, owner of Quality Furnishings in Felixstowe Road, was shocked to find three panes dotted with holes apparently made by ball bearings fired from a fake gun.

The damaged is estimated to be around £1,000 and police believe the damage could have been caused by someone driving by.

Mr Majoram said: "I was furious. It is an issue of sheer vandalism. I have been here for nine years and it is getting worse. We have had windows broken before but never with a gun."

Both the police and glaziers agreed the damage had been caused by metal ball bearings shot from a gas-filled BB gun.

Now Mr Marjoram, 31, is worried he will have to dig further into his pockets to pay for added security measures. He is already getting quotes for CCTV cameras following the incident which happened between 6pm on Tuesday, April 27 and 8.30 the next morning.

Incidents involving imitation firearms have been on the increase since their popularity has taken off in recent years. A plastic gas gun can be bought for as little as £2.99.

One person was arrested in Ipswich over the weekend for a separate incident of possessing an imitation firearm in a public place.

A police spokeswoman said: "Any weapon that is capable of firing a projectile, no matter how low the velocity, can cause harm and damage when used in an inconsiderate manner.

"The use of such a weapon is now an offence and anyone who sees anybody with any sort of air weapon should contact the police as soon as possible."

Police have also warned that anyone seen pointing an imitation firearm at an officer or member of public risks being shot.

Anyone with any information about the Felixstowe Road shop shooting, should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.

N Are you concerned about the rise in use of imitation firearms? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk

FAST FACTS

N The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 aims to tackle the steady rise in the misuse of imitation guns.

N It is now an offence to carry such weapons in a public place.

N The age limit to be able to possess an air weapon has risen from 14 to 17.

N Suffolk police's firearms unit went to 136 gun-related crimes, between April and September 2003, of which a huge proportion involved the use or presence of BB guns.