UK to ban blank-firing guns linked to rising gun violence

The UK will ban four types of blank-firing handguns after tests revealed they can be easily converted into real firearms. The National Crime Agency announced an amnesty for owners to surrender these weapons from February 3 to February 28, 2024. The banned models include Turkish brands Retay, Ekol, Ceonic ISSC, and Blow, which have been linked to multiple murders and injuries. In 2023, converted models were involved in more shootings than conventional firearms. Importers and retailers have been ordered to stop selling these guns, and Border Force will seize any further imports. Possession after the amnesty could lead to a 10-year prison sentence.