OWNERS of knives and airguns can hand them in to police without the fear of prosecution this month.

Northumbria Police are holding an amnesty in a bid to combat misuse of weapons.

From Monday, until Monday, September 2, knives and airguns can be put in secure bins at police stations or handed over the counter to officers.

The bins will be in the front foyer of Blyth, Ashington, Morpeth, Bedlington and Cramlington police stations.

Chief Inspector Graham Davis said: "These items are not toys. Time and again we see families destroyed by tragedies involving knives or air weapons.

"This amnesty is an ideal opportunity to hand them in and make the streets a safer place for everyone."