A GUN amnesty has been launched by Cambridgeshire police as part of a nationwide crackdown on anyone possessing a recently outlawed revolver. Following tests, the Olympic .380 BBM has been identified as readily convertible under the provision of the Firear

A GUN amnesty has been launched by Cambridgeshire police as part of a nationwide crackdown on anyone possessing a recently outlawed revolver.

Following tests, the Olympic .380 BBM has been identified as readily convertible under the provision of the Firearms Act 1982, making it a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act 1968.

It means that anyone who does not hand in their weapon before June 4 could be liable to prosecution. The amnesty is only for this type of gun, either in its converted or unconverted form.

Sergeant Ady Murphy, from the force's tactical firearms unit (TFU), said: "We have no evidence that a high number of these weapons are in circulation in Cambridgeshire but nationally a significant number have been recovered by police having been used in criminal activity.

"It is essential that police work with the public to tackle this threat and I would urge anyone in possession of one of these weapons to hand it in at a police station at the earliest opportunity. This amnesty offers a way of disposing of these firearms before June 4 without facing prosecution for possession."

David Penn, from the British Shooting Sports Council, said: "We are aware that many of our members may have purchased the Olympic .380 BBM for well established legitimate uses. The actions of a criminal minority have undermined the lawful use of this revolver and we appeal to anyone in possession of an Olympic .380 BBM to hand it in to their nearest police station.