DOZENS of guns were handed in at police stations across West Yorkshire as part of a force-wide firearms surrender.

The 18-day surrender, held last month, was in support of the National Firearms Surrender which aims to rid the streets of guns.

A total of 58 items were surrendered including several shotguns and rifles, handguns and quantities of ammunition.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: All the weapons handed into police during the 18 days.All the weapons handed into police during the 18 days.

Members of the public were encouraged to take firearms and ammunition into police stations where they would be safely disposed of. 

People could do this anonymously and without fear of prosecution for possessing an illegal firearm.

The surrender also gave legitimate owners of firearms the opportunity to surrender any unwanted firearms or ammunition.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Several rifles and handguns came from the surrenderSeveral rifles and handguns came from the surrender

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Burton, who led the firearms surrender, said: “Every firearm that has been handed in is a firearm that cannot now fall into the wrong hands.

“By handing over guns and ammunition during the firearms surrender, people are putting these dangerous items beyond the reach of criminals.

“This firearms surrender has resulted in a number of weapons being taken out of circulation. Even if they were hidden away in a loft or shed, the chances of them one day being used in criminality is higher."