Potentially deadly stash of weapons seized in search of Salford woodland

A stash of firearms and potentially deadly grenades were found in Kersal Moor last Friday after we acted on information that we had been provided by a member of the public.

Specialist officers – including firearms cops and detectives from our Serious and Organised Crime Group – searched the area with support from the military.

Five firearms were found during the operation as well as five hand grenades and a tank grenade.

Enquiries are ongoing into who the weapons may have been associated with, and forensic experts are assessing whether the guns – made up of pistols, a sawn-off shotgun and a rifle – may have been used in any previous shootings.

No arrests have yet been made as part of the investigation, but anyone with information is urged to get in touch in confidence.

Detectives thank the local community for their co-operation during the search after a 100m cordon was introduced and a dozen homes were evacuated while controlled explosions were carried out.

There is no suggestion that the weapons are linked to terrorism and officers are keen to assure the public there isn’t believed to be any wider risk.

Detective Inspector Simon Akker, of our Serious and Organised Crime Firearms Investigation Team, said: “Friday’s operation was a very successful one with a stash of weapons and some potentially lethal items being recovered and taken from the streets – meaning there is no longer the risk of them getting in the wrong hands – and I thank the public for their cooperation and patience during the day.

“There will undoubtedly be worried members of the local community because of this find, but I must stress that we’ve extensively searched the area and are confident that there are no other items of concern remaining, and that there is no risk to the wider public.

“It’s always important that people have the confidence to provide us with information so that we can take action, and I hope that anyone who knows anything about this stash of weapons contacts us so we can establish where they have come from and the extent of any offences that have been committed.”

Details can be passed to us online via our LiveChat facility on our website, if able, or by calling 101.

Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.