Hampshire gun and ammunition amnesty begins

A firearms and ammunition amnesty has begun in Hampshire in an attempt to reduce the number of illegally held weapons in circulation.

Unlicensed guns, bullets and old or antique firearms, can be handed in to be destroyed until 21 November.

Ch Supt Dave Hardcastle said: "One gun in the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences."

Guns handed in which are believed to have been used in crimes would be investigated, police said.

The maximum jail term for possessing an illegal gun recently increased from 10 years to life.

A previous campaign held in the north of Hampshire in 2003 resulted in 119 firearms - including 41 shotguns and 12 handguns - and 1,124 rounds of live ammunition being surrendered in 16 days.

The current amnesty coincides with unannounced home visits to firearm or shotgun certificate holders across the county.