CHIEF Constable Mike Veale has welcomed new laws to improve the safety of selling firearms.

New legislation states permission to purchase or acquire a firearm will be granted to an individual who is assessed by the police, as not posing a threat to public safety and having good reason to own the firearm. Organisations such as target shooting clubs, museums and firearms dealers must also apply for licences if they wish to possess or use firearms. People who are sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three years or more cannot possess a firearm or ammunition (including antique firearms) at any time.

“I not only welcome this new system, but I am extremely proud of Wiltshire’s role in making sure this important legislation has become a reality," said Mr Veale.

“Anything the police can do to improve firearms safety, and ultimately prevent serious injuries or deaths, has to be a good thing and I believe the new system will do just that.

“I would like to commend all Wiltshire Police staff and officers who were involved in the pilot scheme, as well as our partners at the NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, for their hard work and dedication to this influential piece of work.”