Shotguns and illegal weapons among amnesty haul

More than 40 weapons have been handed in to police during a month-long amnesty in South Yorkshire.

Twenty three weapons including shotguns were surrendered at police stations in February, along with 110 rounds of blank ammunition and 22 blank firing guns, South Yorkshire Police said.

Det Insp Matthew Barnes said: "Over the last three years, converted blank firing firearms make up a large proportion of discharges and recoveries in our patch.

"Ensuring these weapons are off the streets of South Yorkshire is a priority."

Blanks are a type of gun cartridge that contain gunpowder but no bullet, producing a loud gunshot and flash.

The campaign was aimed at owners of blank firearms after five Bruni models were found to be readily convertible and illegal, following tests by the National Crime Agency.

Top-venting blank firearms are legal for adults to buy in the UK without a licence unless they are readily convertible.

The models found to be illegal are:

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol
• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 'GAP' blank firing self-loading pistol
• .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single-action blank firing revolver

Barnes said the area was a "safer place" thanks to people surrendering the items.

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