Carrying a BB gun in public could get you killed is the stark message from a advertising campaign launched by Surrey Police today.

The four-week campaign includes posters urging "don't risk a fatal outcome" by carrying a BB or replica gun in public.

Tactical Firearms Unit Inspector Paul Pearson said the force had received 105 calls about the weapons last year, sending armed police to hotspots including Staines, Walton on Thames, Molesey and Epsom.

"Our armed response officers are highly trained but even they can find it impossible to tell the difference between a BB and a real gun, especially when they first arrive at a scene and see the gun from a long distance away," Insp Pearson said.

"Firearms officers have to make a split-second decision about whether a situation poses a threat.

"In Surrey we've never used lethal force against someone with a replica gun.

"However it could only take a foolish move by someone with a BB gun for this tragic outcome to become a reality."

The blood splatter posters are going up in bus shelters as well as in schools and youth clubs.

Officers will also tour secondary schools explaining the dangers.

Insp Pearson said owning a BB or replica gun was not illegal but carrying it in public or causing fear could end in five years' jail.

"Our basic advice is don't carry BB guns in public at all, only use them responsibly in private places," he said.