A countywide gun amnesty which could save lives is being launched by Gloucestershire Police.

Air rifles, antique pistols and shotguns are just some of the weapons handed in during previous gun surrenders.

The force are hoping for a similar return when Operation Magpie begins on Friday November 14th and runs up until November 21st.

Owners of unwanted firearms are invited to take them to their nearest police station.

The aim is to get as many unwanted guns as possible off the streets of Gloucestershire so there is less chance of them falling into the hands of criminals.

The operation is to provide an amnesty for the possession of the firearms at the point the person hands them over. However, if it is found that the firearm was used illegally before it was given in then police will pursue a prosecution.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "This applies to anyone who may have a gun they no longer need or have found, say during a loft clearance or house move. Licensed gun holders can also use this opportunity to get rid of any weapons they no longer want or use.

"This gun surrender could potentially save lives by getting as many unwanted and illegal guns off our streets, resulting in fewer weapons which could potentially fall in to the hands of the wrong people."