MORE than 50 imitation weapons were handed in to police during a gun amnesty last month.

Weapons surrendered included BB guns, toy guns and even a replica 7ft Muscat.

Superintendent Andy Pullan said: "We find that imitation guns are often bought as presents for children and young people from car boot sales.

"But the use of these realistic-looking weapons in public could result in children facing armed officers, putting themselves and others in real danger, and being arrested."

He added: "I would like to thank each and every person who has handed a weapon in and also the police staff that have dealt with this so efficiently.

"Each and every gun handed in will be destroyed and cannot be used to kill, injure or threaten.

"Every firearm we take out of circulation is one less posing a danger to the public."

The amnesty was part of a wider campaign to highlight the dangers of possessing imitation firearms.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said imitation weapons present a significant risk to police officers as more and more youngsters carry them to reinforce their image or provide some form of self-protection.

Of all the incidents armed officers are called to, 90 percent involve imitation guns or air weapons.

Officers are currently touring secondary schools in the region to show pupils a dramatic DVD about the dangers of possessing imitation guns To find out more about the crackdown on imitation weapons visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/firearms If you have any information relating to the use of real or fake firearms contact the police on 0845 456 7000.