Metropolitan Police is encouraging Londoners to hand over firearms as it releases a social media video highlighting the dangers of guns.

The video was released on Monday (November 13), which marks the beginning of a two week national gun surrender week running until Sunday, November 26.

During the two week period, Londoners will be able to hand in a firearm or ammunition to police and will not face prosecution for illegal possession.

Individuals can remain anonymous and weapons can be handed in to one of 34 stations across London.

Police stations in west London include South Harrow, Acton and Hounslow, which are all open 24 hours a day.

Find your local station by using the map below:

The police video portrays the story of a young male who underestimates the consequences of possessing a gun.

In the video, he says: "It will get me the respect I need", juxtaposed with words from Met Police, which read: "It will make you a target."

The male continues: "They can't touch me, no one can stop me."

Guns can be handed in to one of 34 stations across London

A gun shot can they be heard followed by police sirens.

The video ends with words of advice from the police: "Whatever your reason for carrying a gun, it will never be worth the risk.

"Give it up."

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The Met's gun surrender programme is in partnership with City of London Police, and commander Jane Gyford, of City of London Police, is urging those in possession to come forward.

She says: "The City of London Police take a zero tolerance approach to gun crime and also to those in possession of firearms, even if they don’t intend to use them.

Individuals can hand in any firearm, including shotguns, rifles, handguns and BB guns

"I would encourage anyone who knows about, or owns, an illegal firearm, to surrender it at one of the designated police stations across the UK.

"This can help keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands."

Individuals are being encouraged to hand in any firearm, including shotguns, rifles, handguns, BB guns, imitation firearms, as well as any antique, ex-military weapons or ammunition.

Commander Jim Stokley, of the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command, said: "We urge members of the public who may have any unwanted guns to hand them in to police to prevent them from falling into criminal hands."

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He added: "The guns we see being used in shooting incidents in London are often converted, formerly legally-owned, firearms.

"Others are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to threaten or harm their local communities.

"We know that friends, family members and girlfriends of gang members are often asked to look after firearms to hide them from police, but saying ‘it’s not my gun’ is not a defence.

"Illegal possession of a firearm can mean five years behind bars, and if you are found guilty of possession with intent to supply, that can lead to an even longer prison sentence.

"Each firearm we retrieve helps to reduce the threat of gun crime in London."

Those wishing to hand in a firearm or ammunition can visit the Met Police website to check the opening times of their station.

Anyone who knows of someone with illegal firearms can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more information about the campaign and gun crime click here.

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