Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is urging local people to voice their opinions on future changes to the licensing of firearms and shotguns in England and Wales.

The Commissioner is inviting current and previous firearms or shotgun certificate holders and residents to complete a short online survey to share their views on expected changes to licensing guidance to tighten the application process.

The Home Office is currently reviewing arrangements for the licensing of guns and wants to hear the public's views before announcing any new rules.

The survey, run by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, asks respondents for their views on the amount of scrutiny required of medical records for those applying for a licence and the degree to which social media posts should be examined by police when granting or renewing a licence.

It also asks whether or not an applicant should be expected to pay the full costs of having their request processed.

Mr Matthews said: "Recent tragic events have brought home the issue of gun licensing and raised questions nationally about the level of scrutiny applicants should receive prior to obtaining their licences.

"To help the Home Office make fair and proportionate changes to the system, we want to hear your views, especially those of you who hold or have previously held a licence.

"The vast majority of licence holders in England and Wales use their firearms legitimately and responsibly for work and leisure pursuits while most of the guns used in crime are unlicensed and illegally held.

"While tightening the system will not stop these incidents, it is imperative we maximise the safety and protection of the public by reducing any risks."

The survey can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5J7PV2K

It takes just a few minutes and will remain open for responses until Wednesday 20 October.