A vicious selection of weapons went on display yesterday in a bid to kick-start the arms amnesty, which began at the weekend.

Officers showed the media crude and dangerous implements, including imitation firearms - all seized in Bermuda in the past six months.

The 28-day amnesty, introduced after violent public disorder scenes at White Hill Field last week, is now in its fifth day with Police offering further advice on how to surrender weapons.

Meanwhile, Sir John Swan, Premier at the time of the last amnesty in 1994, has backed Government's decision to introduce this latest clampdown on possession of illicit weapons.

"I fully support the Government in what they are trying to do," said Sir John, adding that following the last amnesty, a response to the double shooting of teenagers at the Spinning Wheel Nightclub, Court Street, there was a marked decrease in weapon-related crime on the Island.

"I think the object of the exercise is to try and get as many of the weapons that are circulating around the Island into the hands of the authorities.

"This by no means guarantees that everyone will hand in their firearms and other prohibited weapons but it certainly encourages people to get rid of them.

"The most effective way for this to work is to follow the amnesty with a Police crackdown with severe penalties for those caught in possession of any weapons."

Sir John said he was concerned about the escalation of gang violence, particularly the motivation behind it.

"Gangs have existed for as long as I can remember," he continued. "I recall my father talking about gangs from when he was a child. It is all about turf control.

"But I remember when it was more about girls, but now it is about drugs and it is much more violent."

For this amnesty, which runs until December 13, Police have said that anyone who has a weapon can take it into any of the Island's three Police stations where it can be handed in to staff without having to leave any details.

They warned people to fully package and conceal weapons before bringing them in.

In the case of firearms, the public were urged to ensure the weapons were made safe before they were surrendered and, if the public were unwilling to handle the weapons, they could call the Police who would come and pick them up.

The amnesty runs each day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.