Police searching a garden in Salford uncovered a stash of deadly weapons, including viable firearms and live ammunition, leading to the arrest of a 57-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman. The discovery, made during a two-week operation on Crowngreen Road in Eccles, left neighbors shocked and fearful, with one resident initially believing officers were digging up a body.
Police Raid and Discovery
Officers first raided the property on Wednesday, July 8. Specialist search teams, crime scene investigators, and Tactical Aid Unit vans were stationed on the street as searches were conducted inside and outside the home. Forensic officers were seen carrying evidence bags, and a digger was used to excavate a large area of the garden after intelligence suggested weapons were hidden there.
According to a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) statement issued on July 20, the search yielded 'viable firearms' including a shotgun, a handgun, and live ammunition. A machete and class B drugs were also found inside the house. The weapons have been sent for forensic testing, and a police scene remains in place as the investigation continues.
Neighbor's Reaction
A 35-year-old resident named James, who lives on the cul-de-sac, expressed his concern. He said: 'We thought it was a body because of the amount of police that have been here for two weeks. There's been like 30 or 40 police officers here every day for two weeks, it's stupid.' He added that while the discovery didn't shock him, it was unexpected in the usually quiet area. 'The only thing that bothers me is that everyone on the street's got kids, so to have that there when you wouldn't think they would, because like I say they're a decent family that I know of.'
Police Statement and Appeal
Detective Sergeant Gareth Bannister, from GMP's Challenger team, said: '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.'
Police are urging anyone with information about illegal firearms or suspicious activity to contact them 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.
