POLICE in Lancashire have hailed their part in a nationwide arms amnesty as a success - despite only receiving about a quarter of the weapons of a similar project after the Hungerford massacre, in 1988.

During the month-long event, held as a direct result of the Dunblane tragedy, 282 firearms were given up throughout the county, 46 of which came from the Preston, Fulwood and Leyland area.

A shotgun dating back to the turn of the century, which was handed in at Fulwood station, was among the lethal haul, which also included a replica Uzi machine gun.

As part of the amnesty weapons could be handed in at any police station with the person remaining completely anonymous providing the weapon was not linked to any crime.

Assistant Chief Constable John Vine of Lancashire Police said he was happy with the response:

"It is evidence that campaigns like this work. The public responds to them.

"We have to discourage the growth of a gun culture and we are grateful to the public of Lancashire for their support."

Thirty four imitation weapons were handed in to the force and Mr Vine stressed police fears about the growing number of replicas available on the streets:

"Replicas are as dangerous as the real thing as they look exactly the same."

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