AN impassioned plea for banning airguns was made in the Scottish Parliament today by the father of a Glasgow toddler killed by a pellet.

Two-year-old Andrew Morton, of Easterhouse, died after being shot in the head while watching a fire engine in the street with his older brother.

Mark Bonini, 27, was later jailed for life for his murder and will serve at least 13 years.

However, the toddler's dad, Andy Morton, today told MSPs new legislation did not go far enough and begged: "Please help us to prevent this happening to any other family."

And he asked: "Why does Scotland need more than 499,000 airguns?

"We are not against registered gun clubs or pest control. We just want this pointless threat of airgun crime off our streets forever before another innocent child is killed or injured, or any animal is killed or injured."

Mr Morton's plea to the Parliament's Petitions Committee urges the Scottish Executive to support a ban on the sale and use of airguns except for certified pest control purposes or by registered gun clubs.

He was supported by former MSP Tommy Sheridan, who launched a Bill this year calling for tougher firearms legislation.

Mr Sheridan said: "There is massive support for an airguns ban, as the consultation for my Bill proved.

"A poll by System Three showed it was 82% across Scotland and 93% in Glasgow.

"With that level of support the SNP government has to grab this issue by the scruff of the neck."

First Minister Alex Salmond will set out the Executive's plan, which includes an airguns ban, tomorrow.

However, he will be able to do that only if Westminster approves it because firearms legislation is controlled by the UK Government.

Mr Morton said: "We were told we have the world's toughest airgun laws.

"In our eyes these new laws don't work, so the thing to do is ban airguns now.

"Airgun crimes are still rising and are at a seven year high. If airguns were banned, people couldn't get hold of them to commit such crimes.

"Andrew is no longer with us in body, but will always be in our hearts.

"It gives us peace of mind knowing Andrew will never be forgotten, that his sad death could and should prevent any other person being shot."

The law raising the age for buying an airgun to 18, from 17, comes into force next month, but Mr Morton said Andrew's 13-year-old brother had test-purchased an airgun months after the killing and his age had not been questioned.

Last year, Strathclyde Police firearms officers were called to 205 incidents involving imitation weapons and airguns.