Officers’ instinct leads to arrests and firearm seizure after proactive car stop

In the early hours of yesterday morning (Friday 19 April) whilst our officers were on patrol in the Worsley area of Greater Manchester, their suspicions were raised by a vehicle driving erratically on Chaddock Lane. The car was stopped, and a search revealed a revolver style firearm with ammunition.

A man and a woman, both aged 36, have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, drugs offences, and child neglect. 

Specialist search teams are at an address on Gorton Street, Eccles, and the scene is likely to remain in place over the next 24 hours.

So far, police have recovered what is believed to be class A drugs and paraphernalia, and items which can be used to manufacture firearms and ammunition.

Detective Inspector Mike Sharples from GMP Salford said: “This was an excellent recovery by our officers who were out in the community overnight. They trusted their instincts after spotting something that looked suspicious, and as a result, we have been able to remove drugs and dangerous weapons from our streets, and safeguard two potentially vulnerable children.  

“We continue to be out in our communities, day in day out, doing all we can to keep you safe. Community intelligence plays a huge part in this. If you have any concerns about illegal activity in your area, report it to us so we can act.”

Information can be shared by calling 101. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.