CHILDREN as young as 13 were arrested for suspected gun crimes in Hampshire, an investigation has revealed.

Figures show under-18s in the county were among more than 1,500 nationwide suspected for handling potentially lethal weapons.

Twenty-three children were arrested for firearms crimes in Hampshire in the past three years – including three boys aged 13, 16 and 17 who were charged, the figures revealed.

The damning report comes as anti-violence campaigners claim criminal gangs are increasingly exploiting vulnerable youngsters by forcing them to carry and conceal firearms for older members – in the hope of preventing the police from catching them.

But the weapons seized involve anything from handguns and rifles to imitation firearms and even BB guns.

Hampshire police chiefs and politicians stress the cases of children carrying weapons in the county is a “rarity,” insisting they are winning the war against gun crime – but urge members of the public to report firearms activity to police immediately.

It comes just days after officers seized a stash of dangerous weapons – including rifles, a handgun, a crossbow and a machete.

The figures disclosed, following Freedom of Information requests to every police force in the UK, reveal 1,549 children were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences between 2013 and January of this year.

In Hampshire, one boy was charged for using a firearm to threaten/cause fear of violence, while two boys were charged after they were found with weapons during stop checks, according to the investigation.

Overall 1,506 charges brought by UK police for suspected crimes involving firearms, air weapons or imitation guns – with incidents soaring by 20 per cent last year, it was found.

Hampshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Hayes stressed there are few incidents in the county and said: “The force has had many successes in tackling guns. It concerns me that vulnerable young people are being groomed by adults in that way. There needs to be more safeguarding of young people and for parents and those caring for them taking responsibility for their safety.”

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police said: “While these type of incidents are rare, we take all reports seriously and we are involved in initiatives to help combat these types of crimes. No child should be the victim of this exploitation.”