Birmingham's fight against guns was highlighted today when shock figures revealed the number of armed police had doubled in the last three years.
Gun-carrying cops in the West Midlands were called into action more than 25 times a week last year.
Only London had a higher figure.
The force's battle against gun gangs and terrorist threats has brought about much of the increase - but youngsters playing with toy guns also caused the figures to rocket.
In just one month armed police were called to 15 incidents that later turned out to involve toys. On six of those occasions officers were given permission to use their weapons if appropriate.
The figures also reflect the decision to deploy firearms units throughout Birmingham city centre as part of an anti-terror reassurance drive during Christmas 2003.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "The rise can be partly explained because of the increase in intelligenceled proactive firearms
operations as well as responding to incidents where firearms have been reported.
Hospital
"The figures also include firearms officers protecting people at hospital.
"The rise in the number of firearms officers means we can now deal with more incidents."
