POLICE in Pennine Division have launched an air weapons amnesty as part of their clampdown on the misuse of airguns and ball bearing guns.

The amnesty, which started on Monday and will run until Monday, January 14, follows visits to schools throughout the region by police to warn youngsters of the dangers of using air weapons.

It also comes after a number of incidents, both locally and nationally, where people, pets and property have been attacked.

During the amnesty period, special bins -- provided by Oxfam -- will be placed at in the foyers of police stations in Burnley, Rossendale and Pendle and any weapons handed in will be disposed of by officers from Pendle Division's Armed Response Unit (ARU).

Alternatively, if people cannot get to their local station, ARU officers can arrange for the weapons to be collected.

PC Dave Pascoe said: "Each year, air weapons are responsible for causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to property as well as injuries to people and pets and, in the wrong hands, air weapons can kill.

"Over recent years, air weapons have become quite popular with more and more people buying them which, given the damage they can do, is a cause for concern for local police.

"We decided to hold an amnesty in order to reduce the number of airguns across the division and therefore the likelihood of anybody else being injured by one of these weapons."

But the amnesty is not just to focus on air weapons. PC Pascoe wants to emphasise the fact that any weapon can be handed in and the amnesty is completely confidential.

He added: "We will take knives, offensive weapons or anything of that nature. It is better in our bins than out on the streets."

The bins are sited in Burnley, Padiham, Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick police stations.