Police forensics and organised crime teams uncovered two guns during a search of a wooded area near two schools in north Manchester on Monday, June 29. The operation, led by Greater Manchester Police's Serious Organised Crime Group, resulted in the recovery of two self-loading pistols from Broadhurst Park, adjacent to St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cemetery and just yards from St Matthew's High School, St Dunstan's Primary School, and St Mary's Primary School.
Details of the Search
Pictures from the scene showed CSI vans and other police vehicles stationed along Moston Lane. Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) officers focused their efforts on a wooded area in an attempt to uncover weapons. The fingertip searches involved forensic teams in white suits and masks, carrying bags of evidence. No arrests have been made, but an investigation has been launched to 'establish the full circumstances surrounding the weapons,' according to Greater Manchester Police.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Rick Castley from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group said: “The recovery of these two firearms is a significant result and removes potentially lethal weapons from our communities. Serious organised crime groups often use violence, intimidation and the threat of firearms to protect their criminal activities and interests. The presence of weapons such as these can have a devastating impact on those who live and work in the area, creating fear and placing innocent members of the public in Greater Manchester at potential significant risk.”
Castley added: “Our officers are relentless in their pursuit of those involved in serious organised crime, and this recovery demonstrates our commitment to disrupting criminal networks. We will continue to target those who seek to profit from crime and bring to justice anyone found to be involved in the possession or supply of illegal firearms.”
Impact on the Community
The discovery of the firearms near schools has heightened concerns about public safety. The wooded area in Broadhurst Park is a popular spot for locals, and the proximity to educational institutions has prompted police to urge vigilance. Detective Inspector Castley appealed for information: “We are urging anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity in their area to get in contact with us by calling 101, 999 in an emergency or report it via the Live Chat function on our website at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
