At least 1,369 arrests of children under 18 linked to firearms offences were recorded across England and Wales over the last two financial years, with some suspects as young as 11. Experts warn that county lines gangs are grooming schoolboys as “weapons mules,” exploiting their perceived lower risk of being stopped by police.
Youngest Suspects and Urban Hotspots
Forces including North Wales, Devon and Cornwall, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester reported arresting 11-year-olds, while West Yorkshire disclosed a 12-year-old arrest. The highest totals came from major cities: the Metropolitan Police recorded 261 juvenile firearms arrests, West Midlands Police 165, and Greater Manchester Police 98. The true number is likely higher as nine of 45 forces could not provide data.
The figures encompass real guns, imitation firearms, air weapons, tasers, and other weapons covered by firearms law. Campaigners stress that even imitation weapons can be used to threaten victims and terrorise children.
County Lines Exploitation
The Home Office describes county lines as the “most violent model of drug supply,” exploiting children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money. Government data shows around 15,500 children were identified as at risk of or involved in criminal exploitation in the year to March 2025, with ministers acknowledging the true scale is likely higher.
Daniel Morris, Assistant Director of Young People and Families at Catch22, said: “The arrests of children barely out of primary school is very concerning, and we must recognise that they are victims first and foremost. Many of these children have been exploited by adults who groom, coerce, and manipulate them for criminal gain, which includes forcing them to carry weapons.”
Call for Prevention Over Punishment
Morris added: “While enforcement has an important role to play, the reasons why a child may be carrying a weapon are complex and ultimately the long-term solution lies in prevention. This looks like recognising vulnerability early, building trusted relationships, and providing meaningful opportunities.”
James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said: “The number of children being exploited to carry weapons is rising and age groups being targeted by criminals is getting younger. This demands urgent action. Children being groomed and exploited are victims not criminals.”
Police Response
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Parnell, national lead for Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “Firearms crime in the UK remains among the lowest in the world, however policing is not complacent. The likelihood is that the vast majority of these arrests relate to possession of an imitation weapon. However, imitation weapons can be just as concerning, as they can be used for criminal purposes and to instil the fear of violence.”
Parnell noted that forces work with the National County Lines Coordination Centre to prevent young people becoming involved in gangs. “Increased powers under the Crime and Policing Act, which came into force earlier this year, will also better enable officers to tackle child criminal exploitation and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
