Gun crime on the streets of Sussex rocketed by more than 40 per cent last year, shock figures have revealed today.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said police recorded 155 firearms offences - up from 110 in the previous 12 months.

The surge in gun crime represents an increase of 41 per cent, compared with an average of 35 per cent for England and Wales.

That means there is now a gun-related offence almost every other day in Sussex.

The statistics come after the Government this week announced a crackdown on gun crime with a series of plans to tighten firearms law.

Mr Blunkett unveiled plans to introduce a five-year minimum jail sentence for anyone illegally possessing a firearm - although judges will have the power to vary this in "exceptional circumstances".

That was followed yesterday by the announcement that new legislation would be brought in to ban anyone carrying a replica or air weapon in a public place without good reason.

Home Office Minister John Denham said rising gun violence was only a small part of overall crime but was "desperately worrying", especially for the worst-affected areas.

Nationally, the number of firearms offences recorded last year was 9,974 - up from 7,362 in the 12 months to April 2001.

Sussex's Deputy Chief Constable, Joe Edwards, said: "The increase in firearms offences is of major concern to everyone within the force.

"However, we welcome the results of the firearms report which outlined the progress made by Sussex in responding to firearms incidents."