Air rifles, shotguns and flares handed in during weapons surrender

Knives and ammunition have also been handed in to police stations across the county Credit: Cumbria Police

Nearly 50 weapons have been handed in to Cumbria Police during the first week of a surrender campaign.

It comes as part of a nationwide effort to stop firearms from getting into the wrong hands.

The weapons surrender started on Monday 13 November and will come to an end on Sunday 26 November.

Cumbria Police says every weapon handed in is one less that can be used to cause harm or carry out criminal acts.

In the first week police have received:

  • Six air rifles

  • Six air pistols

  • Six shotguns (one deactivated)

  • Four pistols

  • Three BB/Airsoft guns

  • One submachine gun (deactivated)

  • One self-loading pistol

  • One blank firing pistol

  • 12 consignments of ammunition

  • Three flares

  • 15 knives

The campaign is organised by the National Ballistic Intelligence Service (NABIS), which says many guns are held in innocence or are overlooked and forgotten in people's homes.

Members of the public are given the chance to surrender guns or other weapons safely by taking them to a police station.

Illegal possession of a gun can lead to five years in prison and if found guilty of possession with intent to supply a life sentence can be faced.

Last year more than 300 weapons were handed in to Cumbria Police Credit: Cumbria Police

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: