Group's 'lay down your guns' plea

Gang members are being urged to hand their guns to the police at the start of Manchester's Peace Week.

The call comes a week after two men were killed in a pub shooting in Salford and two others were wounded.

The Good Riddance campaign is part of a partnership between community group Carisma and Greater Manchester Police.

Police said it is not a formal guns amnesty, which needs government approval, but provides a guarantee that nobody will be prosecuted.

'Positive alternatives'

Ch Supt Dave Thompson said: "The message I want to send out is very simple, we want your weapons - not your name.

"Every weapon that is handed in is one more that cannot be used in gun crime or violence."

Carisma, Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area, is a group that aims to provide positive alternatives to drugs and gun crime.

Paul Keeble, vice chair of Carisma, said: "Peace Week celebrates the resilience and good will of local people working hard for peace.

"While the question was raised last week whether we are returning to Gunchester, let's be reminded that the city's name is Manchester, and that we can each contribute to the restoration of peace and prosperity for all."