Investigation launched after 11-year-olds stumble across gun in Halewood woodland
Police searched the area and then found a SECOND gun
An investigation is underway following the recovery of two firearms in Halewood in the last 48 hours.
The first gun, a revolver, and a quantity of ammunition was found by two 11-year-old boys as they were playing in Halewood Triangle Woods. When they realised what they had come across they ran home and the family alerted the police to the discovery.
When officers attended they found a revolver and ammunition. A decision was taken to carry out a more extensive search of the area and less than 24 hours later a second firearm, a self-loading pistol with a magazine and ammunition was discovered by officers.
Head of Investigations Mark Baker, said: "The recoveries of these guns in a wooded area that is regularly used by members of the public, including children, is beyond belief, but to be honest it demonstrates the complete disregard that those involved in serious organised crime have for the majority of our communities, who are decent, hardworking people.
"Thanks to the prompt actions of these two young boys who had the common sense to not play with the weapon and to go home and alert an adult, we were able to take the revolver of our streets. A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of a second gun, a self-loading pistol, magazine and ammunition.
"We know that offenders involved in serious and organised crime sometimes use public spaces to hide firearms so that they can distance the gun from themselves and avoid being caught by police. Leaving viable weapons in open public spaces is despicable and could put innocent members of the public at risk and that is one of the reasons why we are relentless in our pursuit of these toxic individuals.
"Following the five fatal shootings in Merseyside in 2022 you would have thought that these people would have got the message - they 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.
"In the last year we saw firearms discharges on our streets decrease by 53 per cent (down from 49 to 23), but that doesn't mean that we can rest on our laurels. We know all too well the devastating impact the firing of one gun can have on a family and we will not tolerate the use of firearms.
"We are committed to taking guns off our streets and if you know where people are storing guns, or who is involved in gun crime I would urge you to contact us. Help us to make your streets safer."
Anyone who has any information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.