MANAMA: Security authorities have been urged to crack down on illegal arms in Bahrain amidst growing gun violence.

They should take stringent measures against civilians, who possess unlicensed guns and ammunitions as it has resulted in a "serious decline" of safety and security, said former Amnesty International Bahrain co-ordinator Nasser Burdestani.

It follows a spate of armed violence in which two currency exchange outlets in Riffa and Salmabad were robbed at gunpoint and a gym owned by outspoken MP Osama Al Tamimi was left riddled with bullets.