Greater Manchester Police have made a third arrest after a cache of deadly weapons was discovered buried in a garden and hidden inside a house on Crowngreen Road in Eccles, Salford. The operation, which began on Wednesday, July 8, involved specialist search teams, crime scene investigators, and Tactical Aid Unit officers who used a digger to excavate a large section of the garden after intelligence suggested weapons were concealed there.
Firearms and Drugs Seized
During the searches, officers recovered a shotgun, a handgun, and live ammunition, all described as 'viable firearms'. A machete and Class B drugs were also found inside the property. The discovery prompted the initial arrests of a 57-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In an update issued on July 21, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed that a 30-year-old man has since been arrested and is being questioned on suspicion of the same offences. The two earlier arrestees remain in custody for questioning.
Police Warning to Criminals
Detective Sergeant Gareth Bannister, from GMP's Challenger team, stated: 'Firearms have absolutely no place on our streets and the recovery of these items is significant in removing potentially lethal weapons from our communities. This is our message to those that look to use violence, intimidation and the threat of firearms to protect their criminal activities and interests – we will pursue you and bring you to justice.'
He urged anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity to contact police via 101, 999 in an emergency, or through the Live Chat function on the GMP website. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
