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A huge arsenal of weapons including shotguns and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition was found at a Midlands home.

Police say the collection which was hoarded by Jonathan Knight posed a 'significant risk to the public'.



Officers from the National Crime Agency's armed operations unit descended on a house in Sunfield Road, Cannock after suspecting weapons fanatic, Jonathan Knight had been collecting firearms illegally.



Three air pistols, a pair of air rifles, a ME38 revolver, two sound moderators and a huge amount of ammunition was discovered at the 47-year-old's home.





An unlicensed shotgun was also found during the search, along with the cache of other illegal firearms and ammunition. Knight was arrested in January on suspicion of possessing a shotgun without a license and was charged with eight offences in April.





Jon Greenwell from the National Crime Agency said although Jonathan didn't seem to be selling the illegal firearms, the risk of them being stolen or sold to criminals posed a danger to the public.



"However as a firearms enthusiast and former license holder Knight was well aware of the risks posed by his weapons and the requirement to obtain the correct license or surrender them immediately.



"His collection posed a significant risk to the public had it been stolen or sold to criminals," he added.





After pleading guilty to all eight offences, Knight was jailed for five years at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday September 22.



Five of the weapons, which contained gas easily converted to fire live ammunition, found at his home were made illegal due to the increasing amount of criminals purchasing them.

Jon Greenwell said: “Those who already owned self-contained gas cartridge firearms were able to keep them but had to obtain a firearm certificate.





"We believe there are a number of individuals who may still own a self-contained gas cartridge firearms, but do not have the correct certificate and are therefore unwittingly committing an offence."





The NCA have urged owners of firearms to check they have the correct license and certification to avoid facing jail as Knight has.

"We would also encourage people to contact their local firearms licensing department should they need any further advice, or to arrange surrender of any weapons or ammunition they no longer want or of which they should not be in possession."



Anyone with information about illegally held firearms can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.