Fears crooks could use lethal James Bond-style pen guns to shoot cops from close range
POLICE have been warned to be on alert for lethal James Bond-style gun pens.
The single-shot weapons fire a .22 calibre bullet at short range.
Forces across the country have been informed of the potential threat the firearms pose to cops.
The Sun on Sunday has seen the internal warning notice circulated to senior detectives.
Officers have been told there is information that the firearms may be used in Birmingham and to look out for criminals who may possess them.
A police source said: “This is a very urgent and chilling warning to officers.
“It says they need to be aware when searching suspects or people of interest. These things can kill.
“It’s the perfect disguise. It’s exactly what you would see in a James Bond movie.
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“It’s being taken very seriously, as it should be.”
We found a gun pen can be bought online for £397 from the US.
A website offers to dispatch them in eight to ten weeks. A photograph shows how the firearm looks exactly like an upmarket pen.
Worryingly, there are also videos on how to make them on YouTube.
Other websites suggest a keyring is used to pull the trigger.
Tory MP Nigel Mills said: “This is very shocking. We know criminals can be very sophisticated but this takes it to a new level.
They are very dangerous.
“It’s also troubling they are being sold so easily online. Internet providers and Google need to clampdown.”
Incidents of the deadly pens being used are rare. In 2010, a man from Manchester was jailed for five years after being found in possession of one.
There have also been a number of seizures of gun pens in Australia.