BOLTON’S gun amnesty has seen 11 firearms handed in to police.

Along with the weapons, several rounds of ammunition have also been given to officers at police stations.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Bolton father of a 20-year-old, who was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity.

Aspiring footballer Halton McCollin was shot in the head at a takeaway in Chester Road, Stretford, as he called in while on the way home from work on January 22, 2008. He died three days later.

His father, also called Halton McColin, aged, 60, from Astley Bridge, has backed the Greater Manchester Police’s amnesty, which has involved a two-week amnesty for the surrender of firearms and ammunition.

Since it was launched, more than 160 firearms have been handed in across Greater Manchester and people can hand weapons in until the end of today.

People who hand over weapons to police will be immune from prosecution during the amnesty.

Mr McCollin said: “It’s hard to believe people keep guns and don’t know the danger of they can cause.

“Do we need to explain to people what can happen if they are used? Why would anyone keep a gun?

“Anything that can be done to keep guns off the streets has to be positive for everybody. It is a no brainer, it has to happen.

“It frightens the life out of me that people are carrying guns and it must be worse for young people. It is just common sense to hand guns into police.”

Police say Halton was targeted in a case of mistaken identity.

The silver revolver used in the killing, which has also been linked to another murder and an attempted murder, was recovered at a home in Parrs Wood, Didsbury, but nobody has ever been charged with his murder.

Halton was a promising footballer who loved life and enjoyed travelling in his free time. His family opted to donate his organs, which went on to save the lives of five people.

A reward of up to £1,000 is being offered by police for anyone giving information on people involved in illegal firearms. They can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111.

A reward will be given for information leading to the recovery of a firearm, an arrest and conviction.