Workmen made a surprise discovery while renovating a building in Manchester city centre - a hidden handgun.
They were carrying out work at a property in Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter when they made the find.
The interior of the building was being stripped to prepare it for becoming a new restaurant in the square, which is at the heart of the trendy district.
It is believed the gun- thought to be an Italian-made Beretta Roma 90 model - had been concealed behind panelling or a wall.
Workmen were removing walls and floorboards when it was found.
Police converged on the address on Thursday last week after being alerted by the workmen. Specialist officers checked it was safe before removing it.
A senior source said forensic work was being carried out on the gun.
Officers will carry out ballistic tests to try and establish if it has been used in previous crimes.
The gun appears to be in good condition, but is not clear how long it had been stashed away.
Production of the model 90 Roma Beretta began in 1970 and officially cased in 1982. It was only made in 7.65 calibre.
It was unusual in that it did not look like a Beretta - but was similar to many imitations of the German-made Walther PP.
