A de-activated machine gun was among the weapons handed to police in Kent over the past two weeks.

The item was one of 111 weapons and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition given up for destruction as part of the campaign which is aimed at encouraging people to give in unwanted firearms, stun guns and pepper sprays.

The force received 34 genuine firearms including one pistol, five revolvers, 26 shotguns and two rifles.

There were also 37 air weapons, 13 BB guns and 24 imitation firearms.

It is the second time the force has promoted a firearms surrender this year.

Between January 21 and February 6, 172 firearms and around 4,000 rounds of ammunition were handed in to Kent Police, taking the grand total for the year to 283 firearms and around 5,800 rounds of ammunition.

During the surrender periods, those handing in items did not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender and were able to remain anonymous if they wished.

Superintendent Mick Gardner, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Many of the firearms handed in would have been innocently held without the owner knowing they were illegal, or long-forgotten family heirlooms such as antiques from military conflicts.

"Criminals are not concerned with where their weapons come from as long as they can use them to injure others or cause fear of violence, even if the firearms in question are replicas or have since been deactivated so they can no longer be fired.

"That is why surrenders such as this are so important, as a firearm in the wrong hands can cause untold damage within our communities.

"I would like to thank everyone who has handed a weapon into us over the past fortnight and helped make our communities even safer than they already are."

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