Dozens of weapons are handed in to police during amnesty

Across the county, handguns, shotguns and air rifles were surrendered to the force’s police stations.

Among the more unusual items were shotguns disguised as walking sticks, ornamental swords, a bayonet and a crossbow.

The surrender, which ended on Sunday, gave members of the public the chance to dispose of a firearm or ammunition by simply taking it to a local designated police station and handing it in anonymously.

Police are also accepted other weapons, including knives.

In total, 229 weapons and a significant amount of both shotgun and conventional firearms ammunition have been handed in to North Yorkshire Police... in addition to four flares and a fork!

They included three handguns, 51 shotguns, 74 replica/imitation handguns/air pistols, 34 air rifles, four rifles, a replica Thompson submachine gun, a replica AK47, one antique firearm, one gun used in connection with animal slaughter, eight ornamental swords and 46 knives.

Sergeant Dave France, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “We’re really pleased with the response we’ve had to this year’s surrender.

“We’ve had 30 per cent more firearms handed in this time around compared to our last surrender in 2014, and that doesn’t include the non-firearms that have been surrendered.

“Every weapon has the potential to fall into the wrong hands and have a devastating impact, even those that are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes, and so it’s reassuring to know 231 weapons are now off the street safely.

“We’re particularly impressed with the amount of shotguns that have been handed in, which is quite a significant figure, many of which may have been collecting dust in attics and sheds.

“Just one weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities and has the potential to save a life.”

If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms or other offensive weapons, please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.