A MAN who lost three members of his family in the New Year’s Day massacre in the North-East is backing a campaign to combat gun crime.

A new hotline to report at-risk owners has been launched across the country and will be supported by Bobby Turnbull

The aim is for people to report “sudden behavioural changes” in owners of legally-held firearms in an attempt to avoid a repeat of gun massacres, including the County Durham shootings.

Crimestoppers has launched the dedicated telephone line to encourage the public to report their concerns.

Mr Turnbull, 25, of High Hesleden, who lost his mother, sister and aunt, in the Horden shootings, is expected to appear on adverts to help promote the new gun line.

His aunt’s boyfriend, Michael Atherton, legally owned six weapons, including three shotguns, despite a history of domestic violence, and turned a gun on himself following the slaughter.

Mr Turnbull said: “This line is something I would definitely support and I’m happy to be a part of the campaign.

“A line like this could prevent other gun tragedies from occurring.

“The line would be somewhere for relatives or friends to call if they had any concerns about licence holders.”

The Crimestoppers dedicated telephone line can be reached on 0800-028-4010.