AN MG42 machine gun from the Second World War was one of 41 lethal firearms handed in to Gwent Police as part of a two week surrender.

In the first surrender since 2014 Gwent Police received a record number of firearms and ammunition with 109 items handed in.

In total 41 lethal firearms were surrendered, including 18 shotguns, 14 pistols, five rifles and four revolvers.

41 lots of ammunition were surrounded including 450 shotgun cartridges and over 150 9mm pistol rounds. 

In addition to this two BB guns, 17 air weapons (eight rifles, eight pistols and a gas gun), three starting pistols, a replica 8mm pistol and four realistic looking toy guns were also handed in.

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “I would like to thank the public for the support during this two week campaign.  We had a fantastic response this year and as result there are 41 less firearms out there with the potential to end up in the wrong hands.

“We had both interesting and dangerous items handed in. An MG42 machine gun used in the Second World War was certainly a surprise however it poses much less risk than some of the other items handed in. 

“For example, the easily concealed Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, which has been illegal in the UK for over 20 years, and the 150 rounds of accompanying ammunition that someone found in their shed, could have devastating consequences if this ended up in criminal hands.

“Thankfully this is now in our possession and it will be destroyed.

“I would ask anyone who has a firearm they would like to dispose of, or who knows of someone in possession of an illegal firearm, to contact us.

“If you are unsure as to whether or not the item is loaded or safe to transport, please let us know and we can send an officer to you. 

“One well-meaning individual put themselves in danger when they drove to one of our stations to surrender a revolver that was loaded.”

During the surrender, members of the public were urged to hand over to police any unwanted or unused or unlicensed firearms at a designated number of stations throughout Gwent. 

At the point of surrender, the owners did not face prosecution for the illegal possession. 

Surrendered firearms will now under go forensic testing by specialist officers in order to determine whether they firearms had previously been used in criminality.

If members of the public know of anyone involved with illegal firearms they should call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Licensed firearm holders who want advice should contact the Gwent Police firearms licensing team.

More details can be found online at the website www. gwentpolice.co.uk