A MAN is in custody tonight after two firearms were seized at a property in the New Forest as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.

The suspect, who is in his 40s, was arrested at an address in Ringwood, on suspicion of importing firearms.

NCA officers made the arrest after a joint operation with Border Force resulted in the interception of a package in Birmingham on Wednesday.

Inside it were two blank firing pistols and blank ammunition. This type of gun is prohibited in the UK as it can be readily converted to fire live ammunition.

Weapons of this type are used by organised crime groups with or without being converted.

The firearms are illegal to possess in the UK but are freely available in countries across Europe and can be purchased inexpensively.

Andrea Wilson, regional head of South East investigations at the NCA, said: “The availability of these firearms poses a significant risk to the public.

“The NCA working with Border Force and other law enforcement partners is determined to counter that threat to the UK. Thanks to this seizure two more illegal firearms have been removed from circulation.

“Blank firers of this kind are illegal. If you are caught with one you face a very significant punishment.

“Handguns are the most commonly used firearm in the UK.

“They are strongly linked to drug supply and are used by organised crime groups in the execution of their crimes, so seizures like this are a big part of our work to reduce serious violence and protect the public.

“Gun crime in the UK is one of the lowest in the world and our strong legislation means it is harder for criminals to access illegal weapons here.”