A holdall containing a British army issued assault rifle, a handgun, ammunition and a silencer has been discovered in a park. Two people were arrested in connection with the bag which was found in Manchester.
The weapons were discovered earlier this year when Greater Manchester Police carried out a search at Broadhurst Park after receiving intelligence. The holdall found contained; a SA80 assault rifle, with two bullets in the magazine; a blank firing Zoraki gas pistol, adapted to fire bullets; 31 9mm bullets and a silencer for the pistol.
The bag also contained drug paraphernalia, in the form of rocks of benzocaine - an anaesthetic commonly used as a cocaine cutting agent. Greater Manchester Police confirmed two figures have been arrested today on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with the stash, reports Manchester Evening News.
Police said two people were arrested today (Tuesday) on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with the stash
A police statement, said: "Officers conducting warrants in relation to the discovery of firearms and ammunition in north Manchester earlier this year have arrested a 34-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman. Both remain in custody for questioning."
Detective Inspector Simon Akker, firearms officer with Greater Manchester's Serious Organised Group stated the discoveries were 'unusual' but very 'significant' for authorities. The Detective Inspector says the assault rifle in particular is 'extremely capable' and could have hurt a lot of people if it fell into the wrong hands.
He said: "We located a large holdall buried in woodland in Broadhurst Park, north Manchester. In it was a Zoraki gas pistol, which have been a blank firer originally, but the barrel has been replaced making it a section 1 firearm. It was adpated to fire 9mm bullets.
"Then we also had an SA80 assault rifle. It is an unusual recovery.
"We don't think there are may assault rifles in criminal hands.
"We don't see them being used very frequently, so to recover one is significant. That has the capability of causing a massive number of casualties.
"It is what the British Army use in combat. It is an extremely capable weapon.
"A number of years ago an automatic weapon was used in Trafford. Fortunately no one was injured.
"Historically there was one used in a police chase. The culprit was shooting people to try and force us to stop the pursuit."
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