Policing is committed to taking illegal firearms - and the criminals who use them - off the streets to help make our communities safer.

ROCUs work closely with national and international partners to capture the very best intelligence and conduct proactive investigations to target those identified as being involved in the criminal use of firearms.

Anyone looking to possess, buy or acquire a firearm or shotgun needs a firearms certificate issued by the police.

It's illegal for anyone aged under 18 to purchase an imitation firearm and for anyone to sell an imitation firearm to someone aged under 18.

Certain firearms are completely prohibited. You won’t be able to get a certificate for them and it is an offence to possess, buy or acquire them without the authority of the Home Secretary.

Carrying a weapon

Anyone caught illegally carrying a knife or a gun, even an imitation one, will be arrested and prosecuted. It is not an excuse to say it was for your own protection or you were carrying it for someone else.

Play your part in reducing knife and gun crime by reporting people you know or suspect may be carrying a weapon illegally.

If you can't talk to police, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using the charity’s online reporting form.