A MACHINE gun has been handed into Cheshire Police as part of a two-week firearms amnesty.

The force’s armed unit shared dramatic pictures of the frightening equipment on social media after the weapon was surrendered.

Northwich Guardian:

As part of the campaign, all guns can be handed in anonymously at police stations across the county until Sunday, May 29, without fear of prosecution.

Imitation firearms, illegal antique guns and ammunition are also included in the drive.

But investigations will be launched if a weapon is found to have been used in the commission of an offence.

Chief inspector James Wilson said: “The next two weeks are an opportunity for people to hand in firearms anonymously without facing prosecution.

“I’d encourage those who know they are in possession of a gun, ammunition or air soft weapon to hand them in, but I’d also ask you to check lofts and sheds for any guns that may have been long-forgotten.

“It goes without saying that these weapons are incredibly dangerous, but by handing them over to police you are preventing them from potentially being placed into the hands of criminals who use them to cause serious harm, make threats and intimidate people within our community.”

Firearms should be wrapped and packaged before being handed in at the Arpley Street station, which is open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday.