Armed officers were deployed after an eight-year-old boy discovered a loaded shotgun while he was playing outside.
The youngster found the weapon outside an electrical generator in Liverpool.
A search of the area in Knotty Ash, Merseyside, was conducted on Sunday June 21 after police were called at about 2.20pm.
The boy found the gun in a fenced-off area outside the generator while he was out playing in the sun.
Luckily he took the weapon straight to his grandma, who then immediately called the emergency services.
Yet the outcome could have been very different.
Chief Inspector Peter Clark, of Merseyside Police, said: "On this occasion the young boy has been extremely lucky that he hasn't come to any harm after finding this gun.
"He managed to take the weapon to his grandma who rightly called the police straightaway - but it sends shivers down my spine to think what could have happened.
"It is hugely worrying that whilst children are out playing that they can find such a dangerous weapon like this.
Inspector Clark added: "I would urge anyone that has seen someone acting suspiciously to get in touch with us.
"It is not safe at all to handle guns, store, use or hide guns.
"If you know who this might belong to, get in touch quoting crime ref: 20000361262 and if you know anyone involved in criminal activity, let us know."
