Nearly 250 weapons handed into police during firearms surrender

More than 100 working firearms, including rifles, shotguns, revolvers and handguns were handed in during the campaign, which took place last month.

Additionally, silencers, starting pistols, air weapons and two deactivated machine guns – including an AK47 and a ‘Tommy Gun’ – were taken into police stations across the force area.

Since the end of the campaign some of the weapons have been tested by specialist ballistics officers. They will all now be destroyed.

As part of the campaign officers have written to gun crime suspects urging them to switch to the ‘straight and narrow’, and have called on family members to report those involved in crime.

WATCH: Some of the guns handed over

Detective Inspector Rod Rose, from force CID, said: "We’re really pleased with the outcome of this surrender where 245 weapons have been taken off the streets which is a fantastic result.

"A number of deactivated weapons were also given in, these could have been easily converted and should they have fallen into the wrong hands, the consequences could have been devastating.

"Officers have also made real headway in the fight against gun crime by positively engaging with a number of people thought to be involved in gun crime.

"We have specialist offender management teams who will step in and help anyone who wants to turn their life around. They can put them in touch with drug groups to break their cycle of crime to fund their addiction.

They can also signpost them to training providers, call in the support of the Prince’s Trust and more.

"We will not become complacent, the fight against gun crime continues as we work around the clock to keep you safe."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: "Every gun handed in is potentially a life saved.

"For everybody who decided to hand in their weapon may I say a big thank you. You have done the right thing."