IPSWICH TOWN striker Darren Bent has more than just the play-offs on his mind today after he was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm.

IPSWICH TOWN striker Darren Bent has more than just the play-offs on his mind today after he was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm.

The striker was quizzed by officers yesterday after a 12-year-old boy was allegedly struck in the back with a plastic pellet fired from a BB gun the previous night.

Bent was released on police bail and will report back next month.

The 20-year-old star was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause violence.

The incident is alleged to have happened at a play area in Kesgrave, near Ipswich, and was reported to Suffolk police by the boy's mother.

A police spokesman said: "Just before 6.10pm on Tuesday May 11, police were contacted by a woman who reported that her 12-year-old son had been shot at with a BB gun while he was in a play area at Baird Grove in Kesgrave.

"The boy had been struck in the back by a pellet, but did not require medical attention.

"Police arrested a 20-year-old Kesgrave man on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause violence.

"He was interviewed by officers and has now been released on police bail until Saturday June 12."

BB guns are gas or spring-loaded soft air guns that fire small plastic pellets up to 100 metres and can be bought by teenagers over the age of 17.

The news comes as Town prepare for their biggest game in years – the first leg of the Division One play-offs against West Ham on Saturday.

The game at Portman Road could be the club's first step on the road back to Premiership football, and the multi-million pound windfall that would come with promotion.

And Bent is a key part of the side that will face the Hammers this weekend – the youngster is Town's leading scorer, netting 16 times in 39 games this season.

But it is not thought that his arrest will affect his chances of lining up with the rest of his team-mates in Saturday's crucial clash.

Ipswich Town spokesman Terry Baxter said last night: "The club is aware that an incident took place on Tuesday evening involving first-team striker Darren Bent and that he was subsequently questioned by police officers before being released without charge pending further investigation.

"We will, of course, assist the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in their enquiries and will hold an internal review of this matter. No further comment will be made by either the club or the player at this time."

Bent was unavailable for comment last night.