Police recover firearm with dozens of rounds of ammunition following search in Oldham

Image courtesy of GMP

Greater Manchester Police officers from Operation Vulcan recovered a handgun with dozens of rounds of ammunition during a search of an area of land in Oldham earlier this week.

Officers discovered the weapon at around 7am on Wednesday (August 27), following the search just off Broadbent Road.

The firearm – which was concealed within a black bag – is believed to be a converted handgun, which additionally had more than 70 viable rounds of ammunition.

The find comes as part of Vulcan’s work in Derker and the wider area; removing deadly weapons from the streets, making arrests, and working with partners to ensure criminals are sought out and dealt with appropriately.

The discovery, which came following proactive action within the community, follows other firearms found stashed in isolated areas over the last two months.

The weapon has been safely and forensically taken for further expert examination.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Julien, from GMP’s Operation Vulcan team, said: “Firearms have no place on the streets of Oldham – or indeed anywhere across Greater Manchester.

“These deadly weapons can cause so much harm within our communities, and I am glad the Vulcan team has delivered yet another successful result in seizing a further firearm that could have been used for illegal purposes.

“GMP has seized hundreds of firearms in recent years, and we will always work hard to tackle criminality involving these weapons.”

If you have any information about firearms, or other criminality in Derker and Oldham, police encourage you to report it to officers, so they can investigate and pursue offenders who are causing serious harm to your community.

Information can be shared by calling 101, or by using GMP's Live Chat function on the website.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

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