POLICE have seen an estimated 300 weapons handed in during the first few weeks of an amnesty in two market towns. During the first month of the campaign, a large number of knives were thrown into the amnesty bin, which was placed for two weeks in Beccles and a further two in Bungay.

POLICE have seen an estimated 300 weapons handed in during the first few weeks of an amnesty in two market towns.

During the first month of the campaign, a large number of knives were thrown into the amnesty bin, which was placed for two weeks in Beccles and a further two in Bungay.

Among other weapons recovered were rifles, pistols, revolvers, a sword, nunchucks and throwing stars, as well as flares and ammunition.

Suffolk police have assured the public that during the six-week amnesty, no questions will be asked of anyone who places a weapon in the yellow bin, marked with the Nightsafe logo. It is emptied regularly.

The campaign, part of the Nightsafe scheme to combat violent crime, moved to its final destination yesterday - the Rainbow car park on Saxons Way in Halesworth, where it will be for two weeks.

Acting Insp Kevin Howell said: “We'd like to encourage anyone who has not yet disposed of unwanted weapons to take advantage of this opportunity. Every weapon taken out of circulation is one less that could fall into the wrong hands.”