The first potentially deadly weapons have been handed in across Bradford under an amnesty being carried out by the police.

A total of ten offensive weapons have been collected in the district since Tuesday, including an air pistol and bayonet.

Knuckle dusters, knives, and a throwing star made from razor blades have also been surrendered.

Seventeen specially designed bins have been placed in police stations across the county so people can hand in weapons anonymously.

Chief Superintendent Adam Briggs, co-ordinator of Operation Target which is overseeing the amnesty, today urged people to continue to give them up.

"We have already had a very good start to the amnesty in West Yorkshire with more than 20 potentially lethal items handed in, from air guns to knives, rounds of ammunition and a home made Oriental-style throwing star," he said.

"Please continue to bin these weapons and make our streets safer. I particularly ask mothers that, if you think your child is carrying a knife, get them to bin it, or bin it yourself. You could be saving them or others from serious injury.

"Young people often use the excuse that they carry weapons for protection. In reality they are just increasing their own chances of being hurt, of getting into trouble and of being arrested."

Every year, 4,000 incidents involving offensive weapons occur across West Yorkshire and they are used in a crime or found in someone's possession 76 times a week.

The campaign has been backed by Frances Lawrence, whose husband Philip, a head teacher, was stabbed in 1995 as he tried to stop a scuffle outside his London school.

Weapons can be placed in bins at police stations at Odsal, Lawcroft House (Toller Lane), Bradford South (The Tyrls), Eccleshill, Keighley and Pudsey until midnight on February 11.