Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Caroline Mortimer

AK-47s among armoury of weapons handed in to police in West Yorkshire

More than 200 guns and knives - including AK-47 rifles - have been handed into police stations in Yorkshire as part of a weapons surrender programme. 

West Yorkshire Police said 150 knives and 80 guns were handed into police stations across the county last month following a campaign to support stabbing victim Vincent Uzomah. 

Mr Uzomah was working as a supply teacher at Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford when he was stabbed by a 14-year-old in a racially motivated attack, in June 2015. 

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently serving an extended sentence in prison. 

The haul of weapons included two AK-47s which were handed in at police stations in Bradford and in Kirklees near Huddersfield. 

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We are delighted with the response. Some of these weapons are clearly very dangerous. Now they will not find their way on to the streets of our communities. They will not be used for criminal activity or to hurt or at worse kill someone.

"While we continue to maintain a low number of recorded crimes involving guns, knives and other weapons, we take it extremely seriously which is why initiatives like this are held.”

Mr Uzomah, 51, said: "The response has been very impressive. Well done to those who responded to this noble call, and surrendered their weapons."

The attack on Mr Uzomah followed the murder of teacher Ann Maguire who was stabbed by her student, Will Cornick, at Corpus Christi Catholic in Leeds in April 2014. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.