Two workmen were shot when teenagers opened fire on a building site with an air rifle.

Both men were hit in the arm with pellets fired out of a bedroom window in New England Street, Brighton, yesterday morning.

They did not require medical attention but site bosses at the City Point housing development said they were lucky not to have been seriously injured.

Police called to the address and were told by the female occupant that her 16-year-old son and another boy had been playing in the house with an air rifle.

Both boys had gone but police said they would be given a "stern talking to" about the misuse of air rifles when they got home.

Officers issued a warning to parents about the dangers of air rifles and imitation firearms in the wake of the attack.

Site security manager Mike Howarth said: "They were evidently taking potshots at the site and two of our men working on a scaffold were struck.

"They were not hurt but we take the safety of our staff very seriously.

"It could have been a lot worse if they had been hit in the face with one of these pellets."

A police spokeswoman said: "All soft air guns, without exception, are imitation firearms under the Firearms Act 1968.

"That means anyone found in possession of a BB gun in a public place is likely to find themselves being arrested and could be subject to a fine of £5,000, six months imprisonment or both.

"If a pellet strikes someone, it is common assault."

Making a plea to parents, she said: "We want your help to reduce the use of these weapons in our neighbourhoods and the concerns that they cause.

"If your child or children either have one or have access to one through family or friends, I would ask that you speak to them and ensure they are aware of the law and the consequences of their misuse.

"BB guns must not be carried on show in public or be used in public.

"These weapons are manufactured in such a way that even our trained police firearms officers cannot always tell them apart from the real thing "This means that anyone carrying or, worse, using one of these weapons in public may find the police have been called and may even find themselves confronted by armed officers.

"This is something we obviously do not want to happen as it increases the risks for all involved."