More than 40 firearms surrendered in amnesty

Weapons handed in during an earlier amnesty included pistols

A police force said more than 40 weapons were handed in during a firearms amnesty.

Northamptonshire Police said the unwanted or illegal firearms were surrendered during a five-week appeal.

The weapons handed in included 22 firearms, the majority of which were shotguns, a few rifles and a historic handgun.

Those who handed weapons over to a specially trained police officer did not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender, and could remain anonymous.

It added that weapons that were held legally, but no longer wanted, could fall into the hands of criminal gangs.

Nine imitation firearms, eight air rifles, a nail gun and an edged weapon were also given up.

Insp Craig Johnson, who led the force's campaign, said: "We would like to thank everyone who handed in any firearms or edged weapons as part of this surrender – they have potentially saved a life.

"As a result of their actions, we now have 41 fewer dangerous weapons on our streets. These could have easily fallen into the hands of criminals but instead have made our communities a safer place to live and work.

"Although serious violence involving firearms remains low in Northamptonshire, we can never become complacent and, as this campaign clearly demonstrates, surrenders such as this are invaluable in the recovery of illegal weapons."

Rifles were handed in during a previous amnesty