POLICE are giving Hereford residents the opportunity to surrender guns as part of an initiative to reduce crime.

The West Mercia Police firearms surrender campaign, which is running until Sunday, has seen 22 guns handed over in Hereford.

People surrendering weapons will not be required to leave any information but if police suspect a weapon may have been involved in a crime, they will examine the gun for evidence.

Chief Inspector Mark Colquhoun said: "Compared with other areas of the country we don't have a major gun problem, but we are keen to support this national campaign to help keep our communities safe. The whole aim is to remove any firearms that could potentially be used in a crime from public circulation.

"People may have older or historical weapons stored in lofts or garages which have been inherited or passed down through the family, and these can also be disposed of during the surrender. While these are not being used for criminal activities, they can and sometimes do fall into the wrong hands and can then be used to commit crimes.

"We're extremely pleased with the public's response so far and the support they have shown in helping us to make the region safer. The surrender ends on Sunday, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to hand in any unregistered firearms or firearms they no longer require during this time."

All surrendered weapons will be destroyed or in exceptional circumstances, if the weapon has historical value, donated to a museum.

To report any concerns about people in possession of firearms, please call the 101 non-emergency number or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 08005 55111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.