Firearms fanatic had 'arsenal of weaponry'

Three air pistols, a pair of air rifles, an ME38 revolver, two sound moderators and a huge amount of ammunition was discovered at the house. Credit: BPM / West Midlands Police.

A huge arsenal of weapons including shotguns and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition was found at a Midlands home after being collected by an unlicensed weapons fanatic.

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 the house in Sunfield Road, Cannock after suspecting Jonathan Knight had been collecting firearms illegally.

The NCA have urged owners of firearms to check they have the correct license. Credit: BPM / NCA.

Three air pistols, a pair of air rifles, an 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.

A significant amount of ammunition was also found in the raid. Credit: NCA.

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.

A significant amount of ammunition was also found in the raid. Credit: NCA.

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

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:

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. Credit: NCA.

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