SHOTGUNS, flare guns and a stun gun were among more than 300 firearms, handed to police by the public as part of a fortnight-long campaign.

The collection of weapons, which amassed to 313 guns and 120 pieces of ammunition, were handed to Avon and Somerset Police back in November by the public during the appeal.

Anyone who surrendered firearms during the campaign would remain anonymous and would not face prosecution for the illegal possession.

While most will now be destroyed, guns handed in that are thought to have a historical or research interest will be safely transferred to the relevant institution, such as the National Firearms Centre at the Royal Armouries at Leeds.

Weapons surrendered included 80 shotguns and 81 pistols, as well as flare guns, rifles, starter pistols, slaughtering guns, BB guns and even a stun gun.

Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: “We’d like to thank the members of the public who supported this operation and handed in firearms.

“Many firearms are held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or are overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes but others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks.

“By handing them in to us, every weapon off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.

“For example, a .38 revolver was surrendered and separately a bag of live .38 bullets. The two combined would have been a lethal weapon that could have fallen into the hands of criminals and caused significant harm or death.

“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.”

Anyone who might know of people involved in illegal firearms are asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.