KEIGHLEY police station is acting as a collection point in a national firearms surrender.

People are being urged to hand-in guns, and other weapons including knives, at the Airedale House building.

The initiative, which runs until Sunday (Nov 26), aims to give the public the chance to dispose of items safely and avoid them getting into criminal hands.

It is the latest in a series of similar schemes supported by West Yorkshire Police in recent years, which has led to hundreds of guns and other weaponry being given-up.

Officers are also keen to hear from anyone with information about the illegal possession of firearms, including ammunition, and are seeking help to identify so-called 'safe' houses where they may be held.

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: "We want to remove weapons so they don't end up in the wrong hands on the streets.

"Weapons don't recognise county boundaries, so having a national surrender enables people across the region and the country to surrender them safely and anonymously, no matter where they live.

"Incidents involving the reported use of weapons are treated very seriously. We work closely with partners to ensure people who live, work and visit the county remain safe.

"Communities hold the key to helping reduce firearms-related crime.

"Information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence needed to arrest and prosecute offenders and we would ask people to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

"We want as many weapons as possible and would urge people to hand them in."

Items may be taken to Keighley police station, in Royd Ings Avenue, between 8am and 10pm weekdays and 8am and 8pm at the weekend.

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.