In the wake of the Paris terror attacks which killed 129 people, police in Merton are asking people to hand in guns and imitation weapons as part of an amnesty.

The two week campaign will focus on imitation weapons, BB guns and air weapons, giving people the chance to safely dispose of firearms, imitation weapons or ammunition without fear of prosecution.

The campaign is being organised by the Metropolitan Police from today and will run until Sunday, December 6 at 11pm.

During the two weeks anyone who hands in a weapon will not face prosecution for illegal possession and can even remain anonymous.

The campaign will also run on social media, highlighting how realistic imitation firearms can appear and the danger of carrying one.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Clayman, of the Trident and Area Crime Command said: "Last weekend’s tragic events in Paris have inevitably led to a heightened state of alert on the capital’s streets.

"In an inappropriate setting, imitation weapons will cause fear and panic, and could lead to a police response involving the deployment of armed police officers, with potentially tragic results."

Last year, the Met carried out its first firearms surrender for six years.

During the two-week initiative more than 350 firearms and 12,300 rounds of ammunition were handed in across the capital.

Anyone wanting more details about how to surrender firearms or ammunition should contact their local police. If you have any information regarding gun or gang crime you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or access a secure online form via www.crimestoppers-uk.org In an emergency always call 999.