Amnesty launched over pistols

Staffordshire Police has launched an amnesty over a sports race starter pistol which can easily be converted to fire real ammunition.

The Olympic 380 BBM revolver is subject to a nationwide amnesty. It will be declared illegal from June 4. Now Staffordshire Police is opening its doors to pistol owners to hand in theirs.

Imports of the bright red Italian-made pistol were ceased last month, because of the ease with which the gun can be converted into a potentially lethal weapon.

The revolver can be bought for under £100 on the internet, but police reckon they are sold for more than £500 when converted and painted black.

From June, anyone caught with the pistols will face a mandatory five-year prison sentence.

There have been no recorded incidents involving converted Olympic 380 BBM Blank Firing Revolvers in Staffordshire, but police are urging owners to turn them in and eliminate the possibility.

Staffordshire Police Superintendent David Holdway, Operational Support Commander, said: "This targeted amnesty is aimed at encouraging those members of the public who have been using this gun legitimately to hand it in.

"It is also hoped that converted Olympic 380 BBM blank firing revolvers will be surrendered and the amnesty has been agreed on this basis.

"This targeted amnesty offers a route to dispose of these firearms."