SURRENDER your illegal firearms - and you won’t be arrested for having them, police have urged.

Dorset Police officers are calling for anyone with illegally held or unwanted firearms and ammunition to turn them in between this Monday, November 13, and Sunday, November 26.

During the amnesty, those who hand in weapons or ammunition will not be arrested for illegal possession at the point of surrender.

They can also remain anonymous. The history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of previous use associated with crime.

Michelle Mounsey, firearms and explosives licensing manager for the alliance of Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We want to take out of circulation any type of firearm and ammunition, which includes guns which can still be fired, antique or unwanted collectible weapons, replica weapons, air weapons, BB guns, stun guns and ammunition that are no longer required. This is an opportunity to surrender firearms and not be charged with illegal possession.

“Remember that outside of the surrender period, if police find you in possession of a firearm without a current certificate, then you may be subject of court proceedings which may lead to a custodial sentence.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Many of these weapons may have been previously overlooked, perhaps as antiques or out of date equipment, but they still have the potential to cause harm in our communities.”

“Ensuring that items which may be illegal, unsafe or insecure are handed to police will help to keep Dorset a safe place to live and visit.”

Firearms and ammunition must not be left outside any police building if it is closed.

During the last surrender in 2014, Dorset Police received 93 weapons and a large amount of ammunition.