POLICE forces across the country are appealing for people to hand in unwanted guns with a two-week long surrender of firearms and ammunition.

From November 13, people are being given the chance to dispose of these weapons and they will not face prosecution for having any illegal firearms - they can also remain anonymous.

In Wiltshire, weapons and ammunition can be taken to the police stations in Marlborough, in George Lane, Melksham, Hampton Park West, Chippenham, Monkton Park, and Trowbridge, Polebarn Road.

Inspector Barry Hickman said: "Our mission is to keep people safe and protect our communities; we must never be complacent about gun crime.

"The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and we are working with partners and our local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.

"We use various tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands – but we need the public’s help. We want as many weapons as possible and would encourage people to hand them in.

"This is a national firearms surrender, not a firearms amnesty, which means that people can hand in guns they should not have without being prosecuted for firearms possession.

"The surrender does not give amnesty for the life of the weapon and the public should be reassured that the police will continue to vigorously investigate offences linked to any firearm recovered.”

"One weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.

"If you know where a weapon is being kept illegally, now is your chance to give up the gun, or tell us anonymously where it is. You will not be prosecuted and you could save a life.”

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms, call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.