Anyone in the island with weapons can hand them over to the police without fear of prosecution for possession from Saturday.

The police are running the weapons surrender from Saturday July 20 until Sunday August 4.

During this period anyone surrendering firearms or weapons will not face prosecution for illegal possession. They can also choose to remain anonymous when handing items in.

However the surrender does not provide immunity from prosecution for the life of the weapon but it’s intended to provide an amnesty for possession of the weapon at the point of surrender to the police.

The history of each live weapon will be checked. If the firearm or weapon is examined and it is believed to have previously been used in a crime or is subject to a current investigation then prosecution will still be considered.

A police statement said: ’Surrender programs lead to the submission of weapons that might otherwise find their way into criminal hands. They also provide security for those worried about possessing a firearm or weapon but with no criminal intent to surrender them without fear of criminalisation.

’The reason for encouraging people to hand in imitation firearms, BB guns and air weapons is that these weapons can be almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing and can provoke the same feelings of fear when seen or used in a crime.

’Perhaps you know somebody who does have a weapon that falls into the categories, if you do then encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity.

’If you wish to bring a firearm to a Police station it is very important to ensure that it is secured and made safe and that any ammunition has been removed. It should be transported to the police station in a safe manner.

’If you are unfamiliar with how to do this then you should not attempt to try it. If you contact us we will attend your address and assess the weapon to make sure it is safe and not a danger to anyone before removing it.’

Weapons can be handed in at any of the police stations in Douglas, Peel, Castletown and Ramsey.

Anyone who has any explosive devices such as grenades should not take them to police stations, but contact Police HQ on 631212.