This year’s weapons amnesty has been a success according to the officers in charge.

The amnesty, organised by the firearms unit of the police, ran from July 20 to August 4 and follows similar ones in 2014 and 2017.

Residents had the opportunity to hand in any weapons they have without fear of prosecution for having them in their possession.

Members of the public handed in 52 firearms, four noxious sprays, a knuckle duster, a club with nails in it, 80 blades, 520 individual pieces of ammunition, gun powder and a crossbow.

Sergeant Scott Mylchreest told the Manx Independent that the amnesty was for possession only and officers check the history of weapons to ensure they weren’t involved in any outstanding offences.

He added: ’Even if we had just one or two guns handed in it would have been a success, to have this many weapons taken away from the public is great.

’Our primary goal is keeping the island safe and the numbers of weapons we’ve got here to be destroyed will help in making it that bit safer.’

The weapons range from shotguns and rifles to imitation firearms and include many antique weapons which had belonged to parents or grandparents such as guns from the world wars.

Constable Dave Schumacher revealed a box had been left with officers contained an old gun with bullets.

’If a child picked that up, it could have disastrous consequences so it’s best that people do bring them in so we can destroy them,’ he said.

The weapons will be broken down and crushed while the ammunition will be dealt with by an explosive ordnance disposal from the UK.

Sergeant Mylchreest said while in the UK many forces only include guns in their amnesties, the island opens it up to all weapons.

He added: ’If we can get blades off the streets too, then it’s a win win.’

While the amnesty is over, anyone who discovers old weapons, such as when clearing a deceased relative’s house, can always contact the police who will make them safe.