Londoners have been urged to give up their guns and ammunition during a two-week amnesty.

Anyone can hand in weapons at their local police station from next Monday, November 10, at 7am, until Sunday, November 23, at 11pm.

During that time, those surrendering firearms can remain anonymous and may not face prosecution for illegal possession, but each live weapon will be forensically checked for evidence.

This is the first time in six years police have invited people to hand in their firearms with no questions asked.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Hayden, head of the Metroplitan Police's Trident Gang Crime Command, said: "The surrender provides an opportunity to significantly reduce the number of firearms in circulation on the streets of London.

"Trident has previously highlighted that some gang members have exploited a legislative loophole around antique firearms. Make no mistake, these are live weapons which can be used to hurt or injure someone.

"We have welcomed the tightening of laws around antique firearms which now means that someone who has served or received a criminal sentence can no longer possess an antique gun.

"I appeal to anyone who owns an antique firearm or legally owns a gun but who no longer requires it is, please hand it in."

* For details of the surrender programme, and to find your nearest police station, visit www.met.police.uk/giveupyourgun