Gun found in Chesham Fields

Date published: 03 September 2010

A handgun has been recovered from a Bury field by police.

At about 2.00pm on Wednesday 1 September 2010, a member of the public found the handgun on Chesham Fields, off Chesham Road.

He called police immediately who attended and recovered the weapon.

The gun will now be subject to forensic analysis.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Millett said: "This weapon was just left lying in a field and could have been picked up by anyone. The consequences of some children finding it and using it during a game do not bear thinking about.

"I would like to praise the man who found this weapon for calling us immediately so we were able to recover it quickly and without anyone being injured.

"One more gun off our streets is an excellent result as it means one less weapon that could be used to injure or even kill someone. Although we are not in a position to identify the owner of the weapon at this stage or its intention, clearly any firearm has the potential to cause serious injury or even a fatality so to have seized this weapon before it can hurt someone is a good result.

"Greater Manchester Police, through its dedicated anti-gun Xcalibre Organised Crime Unit, works tirelessly to remove guns from our streets and punish those who either carry or use guns. We have seen over the past year that the Force has secured some lengthy sentences for those involved in guns ⿿ not just those who use them but also those who hide them for others ⿿ and we will continue to target these criminals until we achieve our aim of gun free streets.

"I would urge anyone who has information about a firearm in their community to call us in confidence if needed."

Anyone with information should call the Xcalibre Organised Crime Unit on 0161 856 6479 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.