Massive meltdown of weapons in Jamaica

About 2,000 firearms were melted down in a furnace yesterday in an effort to combat gun trafficking and reduce violent crime.

Police, government and United Nations officials destroyed pistols and revolvers by pitching them into a kiln at a cement factory in the capital, Kingston.

Most of the guns were decommissioned or seized in police operations over the years.

The National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, said: "The removal will help to reduce the risks of these weapons being possibly diverted back into the illicit trade."