Police have interviewed a 17-year-old in connection with the incident, which happened in the Broadfields area of Astley Village, at around 5.40pm last Sunday.

Officers say the youth has been released on bail while they take advice on the matter from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

They have also urged parents to confiscate the imitation guns if they find out their children have one.

Sgt Kevin Mountain, of Chorley's neighbourhood policing team, said: "The 15-year-old was distressed by the incident, even though he realised it was a BB (ball bearing) gun and that it wasn't a real firearm.

"Despite the fact that BB guns are not particularly lethal weapons they can still cause injury.

"They can create a lot of fear and distress if somebody points one or is seen with one in public.

"It is an offence to possess a BB gun in a public place.

"Parents should be aware that these are not toys and the police will deal severely with anybody in possession of one."

In a separate incident at 2.55pm on Friday, two teenagers fired a BB gun outside St Michael's High School on Astley Road, Chorley.

Concerned teachers alerted police who confiscated the gun.

Sgt Mountain added: "Teachers witnessed two youths walking past the school and one of them carried what was described as a handgun.

"The gun was discharged with a clicking, it was not pointed towards the children and there was no danger to any of the children."

Anyone with information on similar incidents has been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.