Northamptonshire Police gun amnesty sees 70 firearms handed in

Police say many of the items had been owned legally but were no longer wanted by their owners

More than 70 firearms have been handed in to police in Northamptonshire following a two-week gun amnesty.

Shotguns, rifles, air weapons, handguns and imitation firearms were among 72 weapons surrendered by the public between 13 November and 26 November.

The scheme was run as part of a UK-wide campaign by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).

"Every gun off the streets is one less which could be used by criminals to cause harm," said Supt Chris Hillery.

Shotgun cartridges, live bullets, pistol blanks and hundreds of air weapon pellets were also handed in.

A number of items were deactivated or antique firearms - including a flintlock musket - while other weapons including a crossbow and knives were also handed in.

Police said many had been owned legally but were no longer wanted by their owners.

They will be destroyed after checks to see if they have any historic significance.

The weapons handed in included rifles

Several handguns were also among the haul