Gun amnesty after air rifle death

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/7115425.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A two-day gun amnesty being held in Newport at the request of residents is supported by the family of a teenager who died from an air rifle wound.

Danny Marsh, 17, was shot in the Maesglas area of the city last month.

The amnesty will be held from 1200 to 2100 GMT on Wednesday and Thursday at the Maesglas Community Centre.

Gwent Police say anyone with an air gun, an imitation firearm, or BB gun can hand it in without fear of any prosecution.

Danny's father, Ian, 45, said: "We are still feeling very raw about this tragedy, but we want to stress how important this amnesty is.

It's still hard to believe our son is not here with us and my wife and I are in full support of this amnesty Ian Marsh

"It's a brilliant idea and I would urge anybody who has an air gun to hand it in so nobody else gets hurt.

"If these weapons fall into the wrong hands then we have all seen what can happen.

"I hope what has happened to our family never happens to anybody else - I wouldn't wish it on anybody," he added.

"It's still hard to believe our son is not here with us and my wife and I are in full support of this amnesty. It can only make Newport a safer place."

The officer leading the investigation into the shooting on 12 November said it appeared to be a "tragic accident".

Police at the Newport house in November where Danny was shot

Neighbours spoke of Danny and two other teenagers shooting rabbits in the hours before the incident.

Danny suffered a ruptured artery in his chest after a pellet entered his body.

Firearms officers will be on hand at the amnesty to check the safety of the guns and to offer advice on laws relating to air weapons.

Chris Watts, neighbourhood inspector for Newport Central, said: "The aim of the event is to take potentially dangerous weapons off the streets and to educate people that air guns and imitation firearms are not toys.

"The tragedy involving Danny Marsh clearly shows air weapons are dangerous and can cause serious harm, or even take lives.

"Under new legislation that came in last month, it is against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of an air weapon, unless accompanied by someone over 21," he added.

"Anyone who possesses an unwanted air weapon, BB gun, or imitation firearm, can come along to this amnesty and hand them in.

"I want to stress that nobody will face any criminal prosecution for giving up these weapons during the amnesty."

Anybody who would like to give up a firearm during the amnesty but cannot get to Maesglas should call 01633 245289. Gwent Police will arrange to pick the weapon up free of charge.