PARENTS are being warned to be on their guard if they buy a toy gun for their child at Christmas.

An investigation has found that nearly one in three shops in the Greenwich borough are selling toy guns which fail to meet the national safety standard.

The standard, drawn up by the British Toy and Hobby Association, says all guns for sale should have bright orange marks on the end of the barrel.

It also says the guns should be brightly coloured, to distinguish them from real firearms.

Greenwich Council conducted its investigation to stop young people becoming involved in gun culture.

Member for community safety Councillor Rajwant Sidhu said: "Toy guns have become an increasing problem and the removal of misleading guns will help tackle this."