More than 80 items were handed in to Thames Valley Police during a two-week firearm surrender programme.

Across the Thames Valley, 87 items were handed in to the police, which included both firearms and ammunition.

Of those, 55 were firearms and 32 items of ammunition were surrendered. This included handguns, air rifles, pistols and ammunition cartridges.

Anyone who handed firearms in during the surrender period did not face prosecution for the illegal possession upon surrender and remained anonymous.

The force hoped that the surrender period would highlight the dangers of these items. Thames Valley Police also aimed to remind people that they remain illegal and could lead to a prison sentence for anyone caught in possession.

Chief Inspector Karen McManus, Tactical Firearms Lead for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire, said: “We would like to thank everyone who handed in any firearms or ammunition as part of this two-week surrender.

“This means that there are now 87 fewer firearms and items of ammunition on our streets which could have easily fallen into the hands of criminals.

“We strive to make our neighbourhoods safer, for our residents and officers who work tirelessly to protect them.

“We are very pleased that people took part in this surrender and it proves how valuable organised campaigns such as this can be.”