Man charged with firearms offences after pistol found in Birkenhead

Detectives have charged a man with firearms offences after a pistol was found in Birkenhead in October.

On Saturday 5 October, we received a report that a loaded self-loading pistol had been found on open land off Lansdowne Road in Birkenhead.
 
The weapon was made safe and forensically recovered.

As part of an investigation, Craig Reilly, 34, from Deakin Street, Birkenhead, has now been charged with Possession of a firearm without a certificate; and Possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. Reilly will appear at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 16 January 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster heads up our Firearms Investigation Team (FIT), and said: "This recovery removed a viable loaded firearm from the community, and has resulted in a thorough investigation by detectives.

"The potential consequences of such weapons being in circulation are devastating, and each recovery makes those who live in areas affected by serious and organised crime safer.

"Community intelligence can be vital in finding weapons, so I'd continue to urge anyone with information on firearms being stored, carried or used to come forward and we will keep taking positive action."

If you have got any information about the use or storage of weapons please DM @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.