OWNERS of illegal firearms have been urged to hand them over to police in an amnesty.

North Yorkshire Police will host the amnesty between November 1 and 16, when replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, antique weapons, component parts and ammunition can be given in at police stations across the county.

Police said many firearms may be held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality, or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. The amnesty gives holders the chance to dispose of the firearm or ammunition safely by taking it to a police station and handing it in.

Dave Coutts, Head of Firearms and Explosives Licensing at North Yorkshire Police, said: "Gun crime is very rare in North Yorkshire, and it has fallen year-on-year across the UK over the past ten years. However, the less illegally held firearms that are in circulation, the better.

"Surrendering unwanted, unlicensed weapons avoids the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place."

During the period of the amnesty, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and they can remain anonymous. However, the history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of its use in crimes.

For more information phone 101, or to report anyone involved in illegal firearms activity phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.