A two week gun amnesty is taking place in a bid to reduce the number of deadly weapons on the streets.

Firearms and ammunition can be handed in at police stations, including those in east London, and will not face prosecution for illegal possession.

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.

“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.”

The surrender begins today and runs until Sunday, November 26.

Guns can be handed in at the following police stations, which are open 24 hours a day:

Bethnal Green police station, Victoria Park Square

Dagenham police station, Rainham Road South

Forest Gate police station, Romford Road

Ilford police station, High Road

Romford police station, Main Road

If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111.