Guns are being smuggled into the UK using online auction sites such as eBay, according to a report by MPs due out this week.

Although the sale of weapons is illegal on eBay, the report is expected to say that villains are getting round the barriers by buying component parts, such as barrels, firing mechanism and triggers.

The paper quotes the report as saying: "This loophole is a potential route for illicit weapons into the UK and should be addressed."

But eBay UK has told The Register that it does not allow ammunition, replica firearms, or even legal air guns to be sold on the site.

Said the company: "We are unaware of any examples of prohibited weapons being sent into the UK from abroad which have been purchased via an eBay website.

"If we were aware of this practice we would work with the police to identify and deal with the users accordingly," it said. ®