Pensioner hands over haul of over 20 weapons as part of firearms surrender

A number of weapons – including deactivated guns, antique firearms and a crossbow - have been handed over by a pensioner in Wirral as part of our firearms surrender.

The haul of over 20 weapons had belonged to the woman’s husband, who prior to his death a few years ago, had been a registered firearms holder.

The weapons, (see photos below) have now been removed from the woman’s property and will be appropriately disposed of.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Baker said: “Our main aim for taking part in the national firearms surrender was for people to feel that they can contact us in circumstances such as this and ask for our help in removing unwanted weapons.

“The ladies husband was a registered firearms holder and following his death the guns had been kept safe and secure but having the weapons in the house was clearly upsetting this lady and we are happy we could remove them to give her peace of mind.

“It also means that these firearms won’t be able to fall into the hands of criminals or be used to cause fear or intimidation in our communities.

“I want to use this opportunity to continue to appeal to people – search your attics, gardens sheds and garages. Has a member of your family passed away recently and left your property like this?

“Similarly there may be people who have legally held weapons in the past and for personal reasons have decided they no longer want them. Again let us know so we can assist you in getting rid of them.

“I would also ask anyone who knows where guns are being stored to contact us by DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 so we can take positive action."

This year’s national firearms surrender runs until Sunday 4^th August.

The police stations in Merseyside which will be accepting guns and ammunition during the surrender are: Birkenhead, St Helens police station on College Street, St Ann Street, Southport and Huyton but people are being advised to check the opening times of the stations in advance by messaging @MerPolCC, messaging @MerPolCC, calling 101 or visiting the Merseyside Police website – www.merseyside.police.uk