Firearm recovered along canal in Sefton

A working firearm has been recovered in Bootle after it was found it hidden in a pair of trousers near the canal yesterday, Wednesday 8 June. 

At around 10.55am it was reported that a working firearm which contained ammunition was found along the Leeds Liverpool canal, near Boundary Street.

The handgun has been made safe and is being forensically tested.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson from the Firearms Investigation Team said: “The man saw something suspicious near the water and discovered a firearm with a magazine of bullets inside it.

“We are now forensically testing the firearm to see if it is linked to any incidents. We are pleased he did the right thing by contacting us to get it removed from our streets.”

Merseyside Police recently held a firearms surrender for people to hand over any guns and ammunition to be disposed of in a responsible and safe way.

As a result, the two-week campaign amassed 92 weapons handed in, of which more than a third (36) were working firearms, plus more than 800 live rounds of ammunition out of circulation.

DCI Wilson added: “This latest find just goes to show that criminals will hide weapons anywhere where it could end up in a child’s hands – whether that is in open spaces or in a resident’s garden.

“So I urge members of the public to be vigilant and look around your property to ensure that weapons have not been concealed there as criminals will conceal their weapons in the most unusual places.

“If you do find anything, don’t touch it but call 101 and we will take it from there.”

If you have got any information about the use or storage of weapons please DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.