POLICE say they are experiencing a high level of gun owners applying for the renewal of shotgun or firearm certificates.

From November 11, gun owners will not be able to complete their applications without a medical report, which need to be obtained either from the applicant’s GP or from one of a number of companies who provide the service.

Det Insp Andy Palmer, firearms licensing manager for North Yorkshire Police, said: “We are currently managing a high volume of renewals and we anticipate an increase in the number of people who cannot complete their application in time, due to the necessity of now having a complete medical report.

“If you have successfully submitted your renewal, then please be assured that we will contact you if anything else is needed. Please only contact our department if your query is urgent.”

He added: “Unfortunately, due to the change to the renewals process, no new grant applications are being processed at this time. I understand this may cause some frustration and disappointment for those who have already submitted an application however we want to let those individuals know we are working through these as quickly as we can, and you should hear from us no later than January 2022.”

If you require a blank medical report email: firearmslicensing@northorkshire.police.uk