Rifle recovered by police in Huyton

Police have found a rifle after searching land in Huyton on Sunday.

At about 7.35am a sawn off bolt action rifle was recovered inside two bags by officers conducting a land search on a grassed area between Pennard Avenue and Primrose Drive. The firearm is being forensically examined.

A forensic examination of the scene has taken place and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton said: “This latest recovery means there is one less firearm on our streets. This weapon could have been used to create fear and harm in our communities and its discovery shows yet again how vital information from the community can be in our fight against gun crime.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in gun crime and will continue to carry out searches such as this to make our streets safer. I’d urge anyone who has any information about firearms in their community, to get in contact with officers from the Matrix Serious and Organised Crime gun crime hotline on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”