More than 60 guns were handed in to Maldon and Southminster police in the month-long guns amnesty.

In Colchester, more than 30 firearms were handed in in the last week alone.

The weapons in Maldon include double-barrel flare pistols, revolvers, miniature pistols, old war-style pistols and 9mm rifles.

Essex Police ran the month-long scheme to allow people who have guns of any kind legally or illegally to hand them in without being prosecuted for their possession.

A spokesman for Maldon police said they are pleased with the number handed in.

But they are not surprised there has been so many as Maldon is a "large rural area".

At the end of the first week, when eight guns were brought in to the stations, Inspector Kevin Jacobs said many people in the area probably use guns to get rid of vermin.

He also commented that Maldon residents were showing "true public spirit" in bringing the guns in.

The spokesman added: "People might have found old firearms in attics or such places and this was an opportunity for them to hand them in."

All the weapons have been collected by firearms inquiry officers throughout the month and taken to police headquarters, in Chelmsford, where they were then moved on and taken to be destroyed.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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