Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has revealed that firearms discharges have fallen by 77 per cent since 2021, with the force seizing 420 viable weapons during that period.
New figures released on Tuesday show that 63 firearms were recovered over the 12 months to April this year, with a further 38 seized between then and August. Among the weapons taken off the streets are self-loading pistols, revolvers, shotguns, machine guns and other viable firearms.
At least 143 of the 420 seized weapons were identified as converted blank firers. The seizures have also led to prison sentences for criminals and gang members.
Significant reduction in discharges
GMP said its "relentless pursuit of those involved in gun crime has contributed to a significant reduction in firearms discharges across Greater Manchester." During 2025/26, there were just 16 recorded discharges, representing a 45 per cent reduction compared to 2024/25 (29) and a 77 per cent reduction compared to 2021 (71). Since April 1, the force has seen just three discharges.
According to the force, this sustained reduction has meant fewer firearms incidents on the streets, which "will have undoubtably prevented potential serious violence and saved lives." The firearms recovered have come from proactive policing operations, targeted warrants and intelligence-led investigations carried out by local district officers and the Serious Organised Crime Group.
Operation targeting converted weapons
In February, GMP took part in a nationwide operation targeting Italian manufactured, illegally converted blank-firing weapons called Bruni. As part of a month-long surrender and amnesty scheme, officers recovered 67 of the weapons together with several hundred rounds of ammunition.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, from GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: "Every firearm we recover is a potential life saved. These weapons have no place on the streets of Greater Manchester and our officers work tirelessly every day to identify those involved in gun crime, disrupt organised criminality and remove dangerous weapons from circulation."
He added: "The fact that firearms discharges have reduced by 77 per cent since 2021 shows the impact of our work, how our officers are relentless in taking firearms off the streets and how our intelligence-led operation are wiping out those who possess these weapons. Recovering more than 420 viable firearms since 2021 is a significant achievement, while these figures are encouraging, we are not complacent and remain absolutely committed to targeting more offenders who seek to bring violence and fear into our communities."
