South Yorkshire Police's Firearms Unit performed a number of scenarios to show Year 10 pupils how officers deal with armed offenders.

They are visiting schools across South Yorkshire as part of a drive to advise and warn young people about gun laws.

A police spokesman said: "What we are seeking to achieve is to actually go round some of the secondary schools within South Yorkshire, speak to the Year 10 pupils there and provide them with an awareness and education programme.

"More than anything else, this is aimed at providing information in relation to the consequences, dangers and ramifications of carrying BB guns and similar imitation firearms in the public arena."

Officers aim to drive home the message that they often cannot tell from a distance that a weapon is a fake or toy, meaning that youngsters who carry imitation weapons can find themselves confronted by armed police with potentially deadly consequences.