KNIVES, pistols, revolvers and a large amount of ammunition from across Avon and Somerset have been handed in to the police in the first week of a fortnight-long weapons surrender.

The police say they have received more than 30 firearms since the surrender began with the knives due to be counted on the final day on November 30.

Ch Insp Debbie Palmer-Lawrence said: “The purpose of this surrender is to offer those people who may not realise they have an illegal firearm to surrender it without fear of prosecution for this offence.

“I must stress that we’ll be taking information from those handing in firearms and running some background checks to see if a weapon has been used in a crime.”

The police are particularly urging those who may have inherited firearms or possess weapons without realising they are illegal to hand them in.

Police say they will accept any firearm or knife, but are particularly keen to receive ornamental knives, lock knives, butterfly knives and Second World War weapons.

The surrender will run until Sunday with a surrender bin at Burnham police station from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Further information and advice can be found at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk