AIRGUNS are under the spotlight after the latest in a series of drive-by shootings in the Basingstoke area.

Dr Lionel Goodfellow, of Ramptons Meadow, Tadley, is recovering after undergoing an operation to remove a pellet from his thigh.

The physicist, who works at the AWE weapons base in Aldermaston, was hit while he was in his front garden. The incident came just days after a woman cyclist was shot in Baughurst.

While Dr Goodfellow believes there should be a shake-up in the law covering airguns, local MPs Andrew Hunter and Sir George Young are against tougher legislation.

Dr Goodfellow, 55, said: "I would have supported tighter restrictions on this type of gun even before I was shot."

Anyone over 17 can purchase an airgun. There are, however, heavy penalties for the possession of an air rifle with intent to injure or damage property. The maximum penalty is 14 years in jail.

A move to criminalise the ownership of airguns has recently been proposed in a Private Members' Bill by Jonathan Shaw, Labour MP for Chatham.

However, Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter said he is "vehemently" opposed to a ban on airguns.

"One of the alarming features of our times is the way people want to criminalise practices they don't agree with," said Mr Hunter. "Airgun shooting is a harmless, pleasurable activity."

David Blackman, the owner of Test Valley Sporting Guns in Overton, agreed with Mr Hunter.

He said: "Ninety nine per cent of airgun shooters are good responsible people.

"There is nothing you can do about the idiots - it is up to the courts to ensure they are punished properly."

Sir George Young, Conservative MP for North West Hampshire, believes tougher laws won't stop airgun incidents.

Referring to the local shootings, he said: "The sort of people who do this would ignore any law saying it was illegal to own an air weapon.

"The ban on firearms after the Dunblane shootings has shown that making something illegal is no deterrent to criminals from using firearms."

Geoff Doe, director of shooting at the National Small Bore Rifle Association, said: "The Home Affairs Select Committee has decided that the way ahead is through proper enforcement of current legislation, coupled with education.

"In the last 10 years, incidents involving the misuse of airguns have halved. The message seems to be getting through."

John Milewski, of Basingstoke Air Rifle and Pistol Club, said: "The problem is the perpetrators who misuse airguns get let off with a slap on the wrist. If they were punished properly, this would be a deterrent."

Tadley police have asked anyone with information to call them on 0845 045 45 45.