Op Aztec: Firearm Surrender 2022 - Firearm recovered in Sefton Park

A firearm has been recovered in Sefton Park after a man found it hidden in the ground yesterday, Tuesday 24 May.

At around 2.40pm we received a report that a working pistol and bullets had been found buried in a plastic container by the Palm House.

The black self-loading pistol has been made safe and is being forensically tested.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson from the Firearms Investigation Team said: “We would like to thank the man for finding the live firearm and ammunition which was buried off the footpath. We are now forensically testing it to see if it is linked to any incidents.

“Finding this firearm highlights to criminals, who may think they can hide firearms in obscure places, that they can still be found and removed from our streets to prevent serious injury.

“I would also like to reiterate to members of the public how important it to inspect around your property, your garden, around bushes and underneath garden items for weapons hidden in obscure places, as it goes to show that criminals will conceal their weapons in the most unusual places.”

Merseyside Police is taking part in a national firearms surrender which finishes this Sunday 29 May where people can hand over any firearms and ammunition in a responsible and safe way.

Det Chief Insp Wilson added: “If you have a firearm in your possession there is still time to call 101 so we can collect it, take it out of circulation and dispose of it responsibly.

“Just imagine if the worst happens and your home was broken in to and it ends up in the wrong hands which is then used to threaten, injure or kill someone?

“We rely on information from the community to discover where weapons are being stored and who is using them.

“If you have any information about anyone carrying or using a dangerous weapon in your area please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

To arrange an appointment for a firearm to be collected call police on 101, and this can be at a location of their choice.