When will people realise that all guns are dangerous?

The incident in which 14-year-old Rhys Taylor was shot in the eye may have been an unfortunate accident.

But the fact is that he is now in hospital, and doctors are facing a battle to save his sight.

We all know that it is easy to be wise after the event.

But if that gun had not been pointed out of a bedroom window in Greater Leys, Oxford, a lot of people would have been saved a lot of bother.

As it is, because of the utter stupidity of one individual, a boy is in danger of being blinded, a family is in turmoil and added pressure has been put on already-stretched doctors and nurses.

What possible reason is there for someone in Greater Leys, or anywhere else for that matter, to possess a gun?

The answer is - absolutely none.

BB weapons may be a popular 'must-have' item and no licence may be needed to hold them legally.

But this experience has shown that they can be dangerous if they are not handled with care.

The trouble is we can never guarantee that the human race will act responsibly.

The moral is clear - never buy guns and never trust anyone with one.