Dozens of weapons handed in during arms amnesty

Some of the guns handed in to Cleveland Police.

The weapons have included shotguns, pistols and ammunition, which were handed over in the Cleveland area as part of the two week national firearms surrender.

The items include, 17 shotguns. two section one firearms, six pistols including one from the First World War and one from the second, 17 air weapons, three starter pistols, one flare gun and a large quantity of ammunition.

This historical piece was handed in during the firearms amnesty.

The national initiative ran between Monday, November 13, and Sunday, November 26, and UK police forces aimed to collect as many guns and ammunition as possible.

Throughout this period, people surrendering firearms were told they would not face prosecution for the illegal possession of the firearm at the point of surrender to police and they could remain anonymous.

However, the history of each live weapon is being checked for any evidence of its use in crime, they will then be safely destroyed.

Inspector Mark Pitt, who co-ordinated the campaign in Cleveland, said: “Cleveland does not have a significant gun crime problem however firearms may be held in innocence and ignorance of their legality or they may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes.

“The surrender gave holders the chance to dispose of the firearm or ammunition safely by taking it to a local police station and handing it in, or by arranging collection.

“Handing in unwanted, unlicensed weapons also avoids the risk of them becoming used for criminal purposes.

“Finally, I would like to thank all those members of the public who took the time to bring items in, their support is very much appreciated.”

A previous firearms surrender in 2014 yielded 32 items.