Sixty-seven blank-firing weapons handed in during month-long amnesty

Sixty-seven blank-firing guns have been handed into police stations across Greater Manchester as the fight against removing deadly weapons off the streets continues.

The month-long campaign was launched after national assessments confirmed that five specific Bruni top and side venting blank‑firing firearms are readily convertible into viable, lethal weapons, making them illegal to own even if they were originally purchased lawfully. 

The amnesty encouraged anyone who owned one of following Bruni models, turn them in to any Greater Manchester Police station, these were: 

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 92 blank firing self-loading pistol 

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM New Police blank firing self-loading pistol 

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model 96 blank firing self-loading pistol 

• 8mm PAK Bruni BBM Model ‘GAP’ blank firing self-loading pistol 

• .380R (9mmK) PAK Bruni BBM ME Ranger single action blank firing revolver 

Throughout the month of February, 32 Bruni blank‑firing weapons were recovered as a result of hand ins from the general public, registered gun clubs and even in one instance, a theatre company. 

A further 35 blank‑firers from other manufacturers were also handed in, demonstrating the public’s commitment to reducing the risks associated with imitation firearms. 

The reason the amnesty was so important was that these types of TVBF are so easily convertible, in essence anyone with access to these guns could make it a lethal weapon from the safety of their own home. They have been linked to and used in several serious, criminal incidents, including five murders across the country. 

Of the firearms recovered over the last five years, 11 of them have been converted versions of the concerned brands. In the same time period, more than 125 of all the viable firearms  recovered have been converted blank firers. 

Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, who leads the response to firearm recoveries, said: “I would firstly like to thank everyone who has handed one of these firearms in, you have prevented these potentially deadly weapons from entering the wrong hands. 

“These results show just how committed our communities are to keeping Greater Manchester safe. By working closely with venues and groups across the region - from gun clubs to a theatre company - we’ve been able to reach people who may not have realised these items are now illegal to own. 

“The fact that 67 weapons were handed in, including 32 of the Bruni models is a significant success. Our fight against firearms and the threat that they pose to those who live and work in Greater Manchester will continue, and anyone who owns one of these weapons, along with any other firearms will be dealt with robustly.”