Police have taken in almost 100 firearms in the first week of a fortnight-long guns amnesty.

The surrender, which began last Monday and will end this Sunday, is part of Operation Raptor which aims to disrupt violent crime in the county.

It has been revealed 13 shotguns, 13 rifles, 18 revolvers, 14 pistols, 20 air rifles, 16 air pistols and ammunition has been handed in - a total of 94 weapons.

Police believe many firearms are held innocently with owners unaware of their illegality, or are overlooked heirlooms forgotten in people’s homes.

The operation aims to stop weapons being distributed by criminal networks.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Fordham, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I’d like to thank the public for their excellent response to the surrender.

"Every firearm off the streets is another weapon that cannot be used in criminal activity. Please continue to take full advantage of this surrender and hand over any unwanted or unlicensed firearms.

"You could prevent it falling into the wrong hands" - Det Ch Supt Rob Fordham

"If you have an unlicensed firearm in your possession, or know where one is being kept, now is the chance to hand it over or tell us anonymously where it is.

"You will not be prosecuted for possessing the weapon, you could prevent it falling into the wrong hands, and you could save a life."

Last year, police collected 100 guns after a similar appeal.

During the surrender the public can hand firearms to the front counter at police stations in Folkestone, Dover, Margate, Ashford, Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Swanley.

Anyone wanting to dispose of an unwanted firearm or ammunition who cannot attend a stations should call 101 and collection will be arranged.