Japanese authorities have urgently recalled up to 16,000 plastic toy guns distributed as claw machine prizes, after discoveringthey could potentially fire live ammunition.

The National Police Agency (NPA) identified the `Real Gimmick Mini Revolver`, imported from China, as capable of being modified to shoot real bullets.

Although marketed as harmless toys with plastic pellets, the NPA found the revolvers had metal or hard plastic hammers and barrels wide enough for small-calibre bullets. A list of 16 similar Chinese-made toy guns has been released, all considered dangerous under Japan`s Sword and Firearms Control Law.

Authorities are urging the public to report any such items to local police immediately.