Two large hauls of firearms, including harpoons and hand grenades, have been found in Whitton and Hampton in just three weeks.

Richmond Police are asking the public to ensure any weapons they have are safely stored after officers discovered the weapons left without any security.

Police were called to an address in Hampton on February 1 after concerns were raised about the welfare of a resident.

A haul of firearms, ammunition, two hand grenades and a number of crossbows were found in the home, sparking a temporary evacuation of nearby houses.

A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms and has been bailed until late April.

The body of a man in his 70s was discovered at a house in Whitton after officers were called following concerns of a resident on February 17.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

During their search of the address, officers found a large quantity of firearms, flare guns, knives and harpoons.

Richmond Borough Commander Parm Sandhu said: "We are asking residents to ensure that they take the appropriate security measures in respect of firearms to avoid them falling into the wrong hands.

"The real worry in the cases that we have had recently is not the individuals who were in possession of these weapons but what would have happened if these weapons fell into the wrong hands.

"Advice on appropriate security arrangements can be found on the firearms licensing section of the Met Police website www.met.police.uk."

If anyone has any information about someone who they believe is in possession of an illegal firearm, or firearms that are insecurely stored, they can ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.