Firearms concern triggers new law

A new anti-social behaviour law which aims to reduce the flow of lethal weapons into criminals' hands has been welcomed by North Yorkshire Police.

As part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, which becomes law on Tuesday, a measure now outlaws airguns which can be adapted to fire live ammunition.

The aim of the provision within the Act is to reduce the number of guns available to criminal gangs.

Air guns using self-contained gas cartridges should be handed to police.

From Tuesday it is an offence to sell, buy or own an air weapon using a self-contained gas cartridge and owners should hand the guns into police for disposal.

Owners of these types of weapons have until May to either surrender the guns or obtain a firearms certificate.