Police have released pictures of a stash of potentially deadly weapons that were discovered on moorland in Salford after nearby homes were evacuated.
Armed police, bomb disposal experts and military officers descended on Kersal Moor last Friday (May 27) after the police 'received information' from a member of the public. Some residents who lived nearby had to be evacuated from their homes as police cordoned off footpaths onto the moorland.
The bomb disposal robot was spotted scouring the area as sniffer dogs also joined the search. Police said a 'suspicious item' had been found.
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A number of controlled explosions were also carried out. Today, the force released pictures of the large stash of firearms and potentially deadly grenades that were discovered during the search.
Five firearms were found on the moorland. A tank grenade and five hand grenades were also discovered.
Police said an investigation is ongoing into who the weapons might have been associated with. Forensic experts are assessing whether the guns - including pistols, a sawn-off shotgun and a rifle - might have been used in any previous shootings.
Police said there is 'no suggestion' that the weapons are linked to terrorism. There is 'not believed to be any wider risk', detectives added.
No arrests have been made. Detective Inspector Simon Akker, of our Serious and Organised Crime Firearms Investigation Team, said: "Friday’s operation was a very successful one with a stash of weapons and some potentially lethal items being recovered and taken from the streets – meaning there is no longer the risk of them getting in the wrong hands – and I thank the public for their cooperation and patience during the day.
"There will undoubtedly be worried members of the local community because of this find, but I must stress that we’ve extensively searched the area and are confident that there are no other items of concern remaining, and that there is no risk to the wider public.
"It’s always important that people have the confidence to provide us with information so that we can take action, and I hope that anyone who knows anything about this stash of weapons contacts us so we can establish where they have come from and the extent of any offences that have been committed."
Speaking last Friday, one resident described the scene as 'madness' while another told how they had been asked to leave their home by police in the afternoon. They said: "I've been told to leave my house because I'm in the zone".
Residents said police had been in the area for a number of days. Armed officers were pictured scouring the moorland as a 100m cordon was in place.
Police are urging anyone who has any information about the weapons to come forward. Details can be passed online via the LiveChat facility on the website, if able, or by calling 101.
Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
