Investigation underway after firearm recovered in Kirkby

An investigation is underway following the recovery of a firearm in Kirkby on Thursday (7 August).
 
A handgun was reported to have been found in a rucksack in a bush in woodland at the end of Linnet Way at around 11.25am. 

Officers attended and recovered the firearm for forensic examination, and are undertaking door-to-door enquiries and exploring CCTV opportunities.
 
Detective Sergeant Chris Clark, from the Firearm Investigation Team, said: "The recovery of this weapon in bushes so close to residential properties where families live demonstrates the complete disregard those involved in serious organised crime have for our communities.
"Thanks to the prompt actions of a member of the public, we were able to take the gun off our streets and it can now cause no further fear or harm in Merseyside.
"We know that offenders involved in serious and organised crime sometimes use public spaces to hide their firearms in an attempt to avoid their connection to the weapon being detected by police.
“Clearly, leaving viable weapons in open public spaces is incredibly dangerous and we are fortunate that a responsible adult found this gun and did the right thing.
“These criminals are not wanted in our communities and we will not stop until we find those who are prepared to be involved in gun crime on our streets, and have put them before the courts and behind bars.
"We know all too well the devastating impact the firing of one gun can have on a family and we are committed to taking guns off our streets and sparing other families that pain.
“If you know where people are storing guns, or who is involved in gun crime I would urge you to contact us and help us to make your streets safer."
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ quoting reference 
25000650827. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
 
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.