Appeal after ammunition and firearms found in bag in Ashton Canal

Detectives are appealing for information after three firearms were found in a canal in Hyde.

Officers were called to the canal near to the bridge 7, Captain Clarke's bridge, Hyde just after 5.30pm to a report of firearms and ammunition found in a bag in the water.

Emergency services attended on Saturday 3 July and found a rucksack containing two handguns, a machine gun and ammunition that was pulled out of water.

An investigation was immediately launched and a number of enquiries have been carried out since the discovery but detectives are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward to assist with the on-going investigation.

Detective Inspector Simon Akker, head of GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Firearms Investigation Team, said: "Residents nearby will no doubt be shocked at the discovery but I'd like to reassure them that we have been rapidly following up a number of lines of enquiry and there is believed to be no wider threat to the public.

"We're now appealing as someone may have information that may be able to assist us with our on-going investigation.

"We are absolutely committed to taking such lethal weapons off the streets of Greater Manchester and have already seized over 100 in the last year.

"Though some of our work around firearms isn't always visible - a team of detectives are continuously working to crack down on those involved in the use, trade and criminal conversion of firearms in the region and we will ensure they are brought to justice.

"Anyone with information can contact us online or on 101 quoting incident number 2239 of 03/07/2021.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."