GUN crime in Gwent rose by 12 per cent last year, according to figures published today.

There were 84 firearm offences in 2004/05, compared with 74 the year before. Across Wales, there were 288 offences, up from 169.

Crimestoppers Wales today appealed for information about people who possess guns in a bid to rid the streets of potentially lethal weapons.

Chairman Neale Evans said anonymity would be protected and people would not have to give evidence in court.

"We are focusing on people who are on the fringes of gun crime - relatives, friends and or people who are being pressurised to get involved in crime and use a gun or imitation gun," he said.

It was not just criminals who were affected but also innocent by-standers who get caught up in "ruthless violence", sometimes with tragic consequences.

Mr Evans said the growth in fake gun use was also a worry.

"Criminals use them as a blunt instrument, or to intimidate and threaten people because it is extremely difficult to tell the difference," said the chairman.

Earlier this year, Gwent's chief constable Mike Tonge told the Argus he was particularly concerned about rising gun crime.

He said: "We have not seen some of the more worrying trends but we are not complacent.

"Gun crime is one of the key areas in our strategy and one we are monitoring very closely.

"Working with our community leaders we stand more chance of solving it."